Race to the Top Funds

Reuters reported on statements made by Republican, Senator Richard Shelby of Alabama, in an educational funding hearing. Yesterday, Senator Shelby questioned funding for Obama’s Race to the Top campaign. He expressed concern about the program being too competitive and drawing funds away from poor states. He conveyed doubt regarding the mandates of the Race to the Top applications, and he showed worry about federal meddling in the state business of education. Senator Shelby provided support for state flexibility in education decisions to meet the needs of the state.
Moreover, Senator Shelby asked Education Secretary, Arne Duncan, to review and possibly change criteria for evaluating Race to the Top allocation of funds. Reuters included a quote from Shelby in which he stated that he is concerned funds will be drawn away from poor rural areas and redistributed to urban areas. Arne responded by saying that the evaluation of distribution of funding criteria is a “work in progress,” and he added that there will be more grant opportunities for rural areas. Reuters mentioned that critics argue that Race to the Top has been emphasizes charters school, which in return hurts public schools.
Senator Shelby displays a valid concern for rural areas. At times, I feel so consumed by the education reform going on in Baltimore City that I forget to acknowledge work in other low income areas. Are there reforms taking place in rural areas that could benefit initiatives in urban areas? How can we better communicate and partnership with schools from rural areas to enhance education for students in both areas? The allocations of funding for Race to the Top present a challenge for the federal government. A competition does not usually include equity, but when the federal government examines funding for education, it appears equity must be taken into consideration regarding the students. Does a competition change the way the federal government should approve allocations? Is it fair to students in low income areas with failing schools that are in states that do not get as much funding? What will the allocation of funds from Race to the Top look like in Baltimore City?
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/07/27/us-usa-states-education-race-idUSTRE76Q5LA20110727