NC wins “Race to the Top” grant funds

Washington, D.C. -— Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington), U.S. Congressman and former North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction today announced that North Carolina won funding in phase two of the Race to the Top competition.

“Winning Race to the Top funds is a testament to quality innovations our state is making in the classroom. Now is the right time to put these funds to use and ensure our schools are equipped to educate North Carolina’s next generation. In order to secure a future of high-tech job creation we must ensure our schools have the tools they need to produce a 21st century workforce capable of competing in a 21st century global economy.

“Thanks to our teachers and education leaders, North Carolina is a leader in innovative education and attracts new businesses because of it. We must continue our progress. Education is the key to the future for our state and for our children. This funding will help our teachers, principals, and superintendents continue their work preparing every child for college or a career, improve ingenuity in our classrooms, and make sure everyone is accountable for success.”

North Carolina is set to receive up to $400 million in Race to the Top funds and is one of ten applicants to receive phase two funding. 46 states and the District of Columbia applied for Race to the Top in phases 1 and 2.

Race to the Top Fund is a $4.35 billion investment in education reform. The Race to the Top competition is designed to reward states that are leading the way in comprehensive, coherent, statewide education reform across four key areas:

Adopting standards and assessments that prepare students to succeed in college and the workplace;

Building data systems that measure student growth and success, and inform teachers and principals how to improve instruction;

Recruiting, developing, rewarding, and retaining effective teachers and principals, especially where they are needed most; and

Turning around their lowest-performing schools.