Georgia was selected Thursday from a pool of 41 applicants for the “Race to the Top” competition, which is designed to reward and spur states to lift student achievement through innovative programs. The money is part of President Barack Obama’s economic stimulus law.
Georgia’s application for the competition touted the state’s welcoming attitude toward charter schools, one-of-a-kind graduation coach program and new push to pay teachers based on how their students perform academically.
“Georgia’s designation as a finalist in the Race to the Top competition is further proof that we are moving in the right direction to advance student achievement in our state,” Gov. Sonny Perdue said in a release. “Our work to transform education in Georgia is being recognized nationally, but it is only a beginning. We must continue to align our funding and policies with our desired outcome of improved student achievement.
The Race to the Top fund is a $4 billion grant opportunity provided in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) to support new approaches to improve schools.
The winners will be chosen in April after finalists go to D.C. to do interviews with education officials.
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