On May 22, the Department of Education released the first draft of the Race to the Top District-Level Proposal. The Department is accepting opinions, ideas, suggestions, and comments related to the District-Level Race to the Top grant competition through June 8. After that date, the Department will review the comments and finalize the competition design. The Department expects to release the modified application in July, accept applications in October, and award the grants in December.

The District-Level Race to the Top grant competition is modeled after the Race to the Top State competition. The new competition seeks to “support bold, locally directed improvements in teaching and learning that will directly improve student achievement and teacher effectiveness.”  Local educational agencies (LEAs) must demonstrate the leadership and vision necessary to move beyond “one-size-fits-all” educational models and the capability to institute data-based strategies and 21st century tools that will support the individual needs of each student. Successful LEAs must also demonstrate that they have the system infrastructure to foster excellence in teaching, which in turn will help improve student achievement and prepare students for college and careers.

Eligibility Criteria

LEAs may apply individually or form a consortium, and applications may target all or a portion of schools, grades, or subject area bands. All applicants must adhere to the following criteria in order to be eligible:

• Serve a minimum of 2,500 participating students

• Serve at least 40 percent low-income students, defined by eligibility for free or reduced-price lunch

• Demonstrate a track record of “commitment to the core education assurance areas,” such that they have designed and committed to implement no later than the 2014-2015 school year:

1. A teacher evaluation system
2. A principal evaluation system
3. An LEA superintendent evaluation
4. An LEA school board evaluation system

• Have a data system in place that, at a minimum:

1. Uses an individual teacher identifier with teacher-student match
2. Has the ability to match student level P-12 and higher education data

• Have policy and regulatory protections in place that ensure compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and information security, but enable access and use by stakeholders

• Required signatures for the LEA or lead LEA in a consortium

Selection Criteria

LEAs will be selected for awards based on a series of criteria falling under five categories: Vision, District Capacity and Success Factors, Preparing Students for College and Careers, Transition and Continuous Improvement, and Budget and Sustainability. LEAs may also be reviewed based on criteria under an additional Optional Budget Supplement category should they request additional funding beyond the maximum level. The Department of Education stipulates that LEAs will be selected for grant funding based on the extent to which they demonstrate:

• Vision
  1. Uses an individual teacher identifier with teacher-student match
  2. Has the ability to match student level P-12 and higher education data
      
• District Capacity and Success Factors
1. Evidence of strong past performance and improvements within the LEA
2. Increased transparency in LEA practices and processes
3. Stakeholder engagement and support
4. A high-quality plan for implementing the reforms outlined in the proposal
    
• Preparing Students for College and Careers
• A high-quality plan for improving teaching and learning in the LEA that addresses:
1. Learning strategies: Engaging and empowering all learners, particularly students with special needs
2. Teaching strategies: Improving instruction and increasing effectiveness towards meeting college-ready requirements
3. Policy and infrastructure: Creating polices that provide students and educators with the resources and support necessary for success
4. Performance measurement: Establishing clear goals for areas of student performance and participation
    
• Transition Plan and Continuous Management
• A high-quality plan and strategy for developing personal learning environments, communicating with stakeholders, and implementing a continuous improvement process
   
• Budget and Sustainability
• A budget that describes how the funds will be used and how the LEA will evaluate the effectiveness of Race to the Top District-funded investments
   
• Optional Budget Supplement (if the applicant applies for extra funding)
• An LEA must demonstrate a “clear, discrete, and innovative solution” that will be replicable in other schools across the nation in order to receive additional funding

Award Amounts

The Race to the Top District competition award amounts vary depending on the size of the LEA, as outlined in the following table:

Race to the Top District Competition Award Amounts: