As the Maryland Legislative Session wraps to a close, the Department of Education has released a draft version of their proposed application for the Race to the Top program. The 257 page document outlines Maryland's plans to close the gap, and secure itself $250 million dollars of the federal school reform pie.
Thus far, the plan is being met with mixed reviews. Many believe that the ideas are good, but some, like executive director of Advocates for Children and Youth Matthew Joseph, criticize the plan for not going "nearly far enough to address achievement gaps." Others expressed concerns that controversial points like teacher and principal evaluation reforms (namely performance based pay and evaluation systems with revised proficiency categories) may be unpopular with teachers' unions and school boards.
The application (available here) is set to be submitted to the committee for consideration in June of this year. In the meantime, local school districts will be reviewing the plan, and concerned citizens have until April 23, 2010 to submit their opinions, thoughts and comments to a dedicated e-mail address: RTTT@msde.state.md.us
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