Bill to qualify for Race to the Top funds up now

The Senate Ways & Means Committee just started hearing its second bill of 27 for the day: Reforming education in order to qualify for Race to the Top funding.

“This legislation strengthens our K-12 system by moving Washington state forward,” Anne Randal with WEA said. She said Race to the Top funds could cover the fiscal note — meaning less cost to the state.

“We support 6696, but we have two concerns,” George Scarola with the League of Education Voters said. He said some have suggested that making policy changes due to one-time federal funding isn’t worth it. But: “Today’s assurances for the grants are going to be tomorrow’s requirements for Title 1, school improvement funds and No Child Left Behind,” he said.

Tags: education reform