The first round of RttT grants are in with 40 states and the District of Columbia applying. Washington is one of the remaining states and losers in round one that will apply for round two consideration. Reading this article suggests that some states are asking for more than the estimated amounts based on state population. For example, Florida has requested $1.14 billion while the guideline range for a state of this size is $350 – $700 million. With the total to distribute at about $4 billion, if Florida were to “win” it would take about 25% of the total leaving 75% for the others. Not all states will “win” after going through a very difficult process. Maybe Texas has the right idea by making the decision to not apply.
It will be interesting to follow the results, to learn from how the proposals are rated, and to see how many states will ultimately prevail. I am guessing that in round one there will be no more than 15 funded proposals and probably fewer that that. What will happen in the future when the successful applicants implement their "innovative" plans to turn around public schools? Will there be money available for schools in other states to scale up the successful practices or will it create "elite" states and all the others? It is also interesting to note that President Obama will be requesting an additional $1.35 billion expansion of RttT funding for next year. We might see in a short period of time more innovative practices than we've seen in decades. Will they all result in increased achievement? I don't believe it will. it makes me wonder if this is the best approach and use of this funding. There must be a better way.
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