Which States Deserve Federal Education Funds? CER Handicaps Potential 'Race to the Top' Winners

"Daily Racing Sheet" Available for Analysts, Reporters and Odds-makers to Track Monday's Education Funding Horse Race Winners Announcement

WASHINGTON, March 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- If the Obama Administration's $4.3 billion 'Race to the Top' education funding program were a horse race, four states and jurisdictions would be odds-on favorites to gallop to the winner's circle and claim top prizes, according to the national nonprofit Center for Education Reform.

Sixteen states and jurisdictions are competing for funds as the U.S. Department of Education prepares to make a much-awaited funding announcement on Monday afternoon.

The Center released its favorites tonight, on the eve of the U.S. Department of Education's announcement of initial grants from the initiative – comparing state applications for 'Race to the Top' funding for the benefit of analysts, reporters, and odds-makers. CER's "Racing Form" handicaps the promises of 15 states and the District of Columbia as they relate to proven education reform models such as charter schools and effective teacher evaluations tied to student achievement data.

Each of the states favored to show in tomorrow's competition has a relatively healthy charter school law and a commitment to alternative teacher certification, along with a track record of making good on reform promises.

"If the Federal government wants to bet money on states that will likely use extra funding to spur innovation and implement reforms that help kids learn – only four of the 16 should be at the head of the pack," said Jeanne Allen, president of The Center for Education Reform.

Download CER's picks (noted by the phrase "favored to show") and the "Racing Form" by visiting:

http://edreform.com/_upload/RTTT_R1_Racing_Form.pdf

"Tomorrow's announcement will reveal whether or not a truly high bar has been set for billions of dollars in federal money for states from the Department of Education," Allen said. "As we have said from day one, this competition should truly be a 'race to the top,' not a 'race to the bank' for states that talk big but won't meaningfully improve education."

The Center for Education Reform drives the creation of better educational opportunities for all children. CER changes laws, minds and cultures to allow good schools to flourish.

SOURCE Center for Education Reform