RttT: rushed and unresourced

A new report from the Economic Policy Institute examines how adherence to commitments for the federal Race to the Top (RttT) has played out over the first three years, and what progress states have made toward meeting outcome goals. The report finds states are largely behind schedule in improving instruction and educational outcomes just a year before funding ends. Many have experienced setbacks due to unrealistic promises and unexpected challenges, and implementation of the Common Core standards will only deepen problems. The report argues that RttT policies have fallen especially short on teacher improvement, and have failed to address core drivers of opportunity gaps. RttT shortcomings have spurred state-district and union-management conflicts that hinder progress, and the push to do too much too quickly with too few resources has led to teacher, principal, and superintendent frustration and stress. Major problems limiting student and school success remain unaddressed. Setting and reaching higher standards can only happen after school boards, principals, teachers, parents, and community leaders work to ensure that basic student, family, and educator support systems are in place and resourced, and that a plan to sustain progress has been established. Strong, collaborative union-management relationships are at the core of such coalitions. These realities should guide implementation of the Common Core standards.  More

Source:  Public Education News Blast

Published by LEAP

Los Angeles Education Partnership (LAEP) is an education support organization that works as a collaborative partner in high-poverty communities.