Gov. Gregoire�s statement on final Race to the Top guidelines

For Immediate Release: November 13, 2009

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today issued the following statement on the final Race to the Top regulations issued by the federal Department of Education:

�This guidance provides answers to many questions posed in recent months, including information on the specific priority areas states need to address to be successful. The regulations give the highest emphasis to activities related to great teachers and school leaders, and also focus on the comprehensiveness of the state�s reform plan, including current and planned work.

�We are appreciative that the Department shares our view on the importance of teachers and school leaders. Great teachers and great principals give kids great opportunities to succeed. We are ready to continue our work in these areas.�

Editor�s Note: The guidance also clarifies that there will be two opportunities for states to submit applications. The first deadline is January 19, 2010 and the second is June 1, 2010.

The regulations also provide information on the financial amount a state could receive, based on the state�s student population. Washington�s potential grant range is $150 million to $250 million.