California Actions on 'Race to Top' Scrutinized

Another issue to closely watch.

-Patricia

By Alyson Klein | Ed Week
August 31, 2009

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s decision to call a special session to better position California for Race to the Top funds may be the highest-profile test yet of whether proposed federal requirements for the coveted grants are likely to significantly reshape state policy.



The Republican governor last month directed the Democratic-controlled California legislature to consider enacting a package of education redesign measures—including scrapping a law blocking the state from linking student and teacher data—in hopes of improving the state’s competitive posture.

Under draft criteria for the Race to the Top Fund, released July 23, states that have such a data “firewall” on the books would be automatically disqualified from getting a portion of the $4.35 billion fund, which was created under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

California’s actions are being closely watched, particularly in states that arguably have similar data restrictions, including Nevada, New York, and Wisconsin.

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