On Friday afternoon, the U.S. Department of Education posted the final application and other materials for the 2012 Race to the Top-District competition at http://www2.ed.gov/programs/racetothetop-district/.
The purpose of this nearly $400 million program is to build upon the lessons learned from previous state-level competitions and support bold, locally directed improvements in teaching and learning that will directly improve student achievement and educator effectiveness. Applicants are invited to demonstrate how they can personalize education for all students in their schools. The Department plans to support high-quality proposals from applicants across a varied set of school districts, including rural and non-rural as well as those already participating in a Race to the Top grant and those not currently participating.
Webinars and conference calls will be offered over the coming weeks to provide technical assistance, and interested districts are requested to submit their intent to apply by August 30. Applications are due October 30. Awards will be announced no later than December 31, 2012.