The Race to the Top initiative proposed by President Obama has serious implications that have not been addressed.
Education is and has been under the control of the states. The primary funding is from each state. The regulations, laws and objectives have been under the control of each state, which has its own history and culture that is reflected in its standards.
Now Obama is saying, “Here, take this money” – with the caveat that each state that takes the money has to rewrite how it runs education to fit his requirements. This is a serious shift in power. This is the federal government coming in to take control of education at the state level.
For this relatively short-term money we are willing to change everything in our state? How will this impact state budgets once the federal money runs out? Are we willing to sell out for short-term money? Do we really want more government control?
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