LANSING – The House Education Committee, Chaired by State Representative Tim Melton (D-Pontiac), took testimony today on the application process for the U.S. Education Department's "Race to the Top" program, which has earmarked more than $4 billion in competitive grant money for states willing to make significant improvements in education. Education policy experts described the application guidelines and said the White House has recognized Michigan for making positive steps toward receiving a portion of the funding, but more work is needed.
"At a time when budget deficits have led to significant cuts to school districts around the state, it is imperative that we position Michigan to receive any and all additional funding that is available," Melton said. "The administration is pushing changes that challenge the status quo, and these are not always easy politically. However, making these changes will make Michigan a leader in education and help put dollars back in the classroom. Our committee recognizes that time is short before state applications are accepted, and we're working hard to make Michigan as competitive as possible."
Recently, many states have taken steps such as raising caps on charter schools, linking data to teacher and administrator evaluations, and recruiting effective teachers. While official guidance from the U.S. Department of Education is expected soon, the U.S. Education Secretary has identified key components for states to put in place to be considered for the grants. These include: intervening with lowest performing schools, increasing the number of well-performing charter schools, collecting and effectively using data, and offering alternative pathways for effective teachers and leaders. The administration has cited the need to recruit teachers and school leaders from all professions and more effectively use data to improve instruction and track performance.
Melton and State Representative Bert Johnson (D-Detroit) sponsored legislation that passed the House in June to allow the state to intervene and fix Michigan's lowest performing schools. Melton believes these packages of bills are one component of other legislative changes that need to be taken up. These changes will help make Michigan a leader in education, which is essential to the turnaround of Michigan's economy.