In a November 23 press release, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) announced that eight of the nine eligible states submitted applications to compete for a share of the $200 million Race to the Top Round 3 (RTT3) grant program; however, ED rejected one state’s application as incomplete. The seven states that submitted complete applications are Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. To be eligible to compete in RTT3, states had to have submitted applications in rounds 1 and/or 2. Although eligible to compete, South Carolina opted out and California’s application was incomplete. According to ED, RTT3 focuses on supporting efforts to leverage comprehensive statewide reform, while improving science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. The applicants offered commitments to enhance data systems, raise academic standards, improve principal and teacher support and evaluation systems, and implement school interventions in under-performing schools.  The applicants must submit additional details by December 16th and awards will be announced in late-December.

PCG Education offers tools and professional consulting services to assist local and state education agencies in defining and achieving their respective education reform goals, including enhancing data systems, improving professional development, and turning around low-performing schools.