Race to the Top failure: Let’s double down not retreat into lethargy of inaction
With today’s announcement that Washington state failed to secure Race to the Top funds, we are looking at a $250 million lost opportunity of this crisis. But more than money, we face the cold hard reality that our state’s political strategy of building consensus first and foremost was not successful in securing the resources. We bet on political consensus over radical policy change and we lost.
Of course it’s not just about the money, it’s about unleashing the spirit of change. But money matters. While many of us expressed our deep reservations about our state’s strategy and progress during the process, we too felt it was important to stand together.
Our state’s current education reform effort is legitimate, genuine and meaningful for our state, and we should be proud of the impressive progress we’re making on the ground. Yet we cannot pretend that it is world-class in scale and scope relative to the radical systems change we need and relative to the rest of the nation.
And so now is the time for a new level of courageous honesty. It is time for a sense of moral conviction to raise previously unspoken issues–to open the dialogue–to engage in tough political discussions–to step back and talk about previously taboo subjects because they matter.
First, let’s put the toughest question of all on the table: Do we retreat into criticism of the Race to the Top process or do we engage anew in the hard work of unleashing the bold spirit of change? Let’s double down on our hard work, not retreat into lethargy of inaction about education reform.
Second, I believe, heart and soul, that we need courageous honesty to put every policy issue on the table without preconceived restrictions, restrictions or the paralysis of the status quo. Every issue means every issue.
Third, let’s ensure this setback does not distract us from the hard work of continuing our state’s important education improvement plans in the months and years to come. We must continue our reforms on the ground. House Bill 2261, the Race to the Top package and new funding priorities are important and valuable and that progress must not be lost.
Your partner in service,
Reuven.
how often do corporate culture change efforts succeed without having buy-in and support from employees?
Gee, now that the artificial urgency of the Race To The Top bribe is gone, maybe we can go about this effort in a thoughtful way.
Reuven,
Many of us feel quite differently about this decision.
See:
Washington State Remains Free from “Race to the Top” Extortion
http://seattleducation2010.wordpress.com/
“…we engage anew in the hard work of unleashing the bold spirit of change.”
Losing the RTTT money doesn’t mean we can’t do better. We can.
A great example of this is in Everett where paying attention to students’ opinions, looking carefully at the data and steady work have made their graduation rate soar. And all for very little money. So it can be done but even superintendents aren’t immune to the newest fad (“oh look! something shiny!).
What we need to do is listen to students, listen to parents (hey, there’s a thought) and listen to teachers. We need few initiatives and more work. We need legislators who don’t read one or two white papers and consider themselves experts (but I don’t mean you Rep. Carlyle).
Well said and thanks for your leadership.
Reuven, I’m going to assume you’re not too surprised by this loss of Fed bribery by “deficit-dollars”. Since you were so outspoken about the 10th Amendment in your last post, I’m also going to assume you’re dually aware that state sovereignty is slipping farther and farther into the abyss as the State clamors for the Federal “teet” to suckle. DC has the states by their pocketbooks as State Legislators historically spend well beyond their means- a horrible example to the citizens.
Ironically enough, this most recent proposed Federal Bribe is a result of an administration that FINALLY sees the lack of competition young and educated Americans present in the Global Market. After 30 years of failed socialist policies, wasted tax dollars and union corruption, it seems the Feds are embracing real changes that may result in actual competition- amongst students AND teachers to drive a higher standard for Education……not “schooling”. From a logical perspective, how can you remedy lack of competition at the Global level, when you fail to embrace competition at local levels?
I think it’s finally becoming clear to Americans that 2 problems are holding us back:
#1- the lack of charter schools and CHOICES for students and parents that want something better for their children, regardless of incomes
#2- the IRON grip of the teacher’s union and it’s inability to recognize how many ineffective teachers are out there in the districts.
>>Do we retreat into criticism of the Race to the Top process or do we engage anew in the hard work of unleashing the bold spirit of change?
I challenge YOU, Reuven, to actually speak of this change you seem to allude to. No one needs ambiguous talk of “change” and spirited political rousing. Another “Reform” Bill that avoids the above mentioned problems also seems illogical. I would love to hear you speak of DETAILS and whether or not you plan to seek the logical direction for change and actually go up against the status quo.
Thanks for your time,
Don