Obama's billions give school reform shot in arm

The contrasting approaches from the two most populous states show the political tensions the Obama administration's initiative has provoked as the first application deadline for the Race to the Top school reform fund approaches Tuesday. Virginia and the District are competing in round one, but Maryland is waiting for round two later this year.

Many states have tinkered with laws and policies in recent months to improve their chances in a competition Obama launched last year to shake up the education establishment. California is among the most prominent: Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) has signed bills to facilitate the use of student test data to evaluate teachers and to take aggressive steps to turn around struggling schools. One provision gives parents the power to bring about change directly through a petition drive.

The influential California Teachers Association opposed elements of the legislation. But there appears to be bipartisan support for the state's application.

"This systemic reform is in the best interest of the students," said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell, a Democrat in the nonpartisan office. He acknowledged the lure of an award worth as much as $700 million for a state in fiscal crisis. But he added: "I'm not as motivated for the money. It's the right policy."  more...