California Attempts to Re-enter the Race to the Top

The Golden State didn't have a shot at entering the Race to the Top before Thursday, but now that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has called for a special legislative session to change the laws that made it ineligible, California might be in the $4.35 billion race after all.

In order to provide a better education for the state's children, Schwarzenegger is pushing the education changes that President Obama and Education Secretary Duncan have outlined through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act stimulus contest rules.

"California and its education system have felt the effects of the economic downturn, and with every child in every classroom depending on us, I call on the legislature to ensure California leads the Race to the Top," the governor said in a press conference.

He asked lawmakers to pass measures by early October so that the state has time to fill out the long application, which is not yet available. They'll be looking at ways to meet the four focus areas of the stimulus fund:

1. Link student achievement and teacher performance data.
2. Turn around struggling schools by repealing the state's charter school cap, give parents more school choices and focus on improving education on the five percent of schools that consistently underperform.
3. Recruit and retain high-quality teachers and principals by rewarding teachers who are taking on tough jobs and measure student progress to see what works in the classroom.
4. Improve accountability for schools by changing how the state uses data to measure student, teacher and school performance.

Duncan said he was encouraged by the governor's proposal and hopes that the education package will get the support it needs to pass the Legislature.

"California may indeed serve as an example to other states that are facing similar challenges," Duncan said. "This is a step in the right direction."

The announcement also pleased U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), the chairman of the Education & Labor Committee.

"This is an important step forward to push for real reform for every child in California and, if done correctly, to provide more transparency that will end the educational inequities and improve classrooms all across the state," Miller said. "It's time to ensure that all of California's students have access to the world-class education they need to grow, thrive and succeed."