U.S. DOE issues year one Race to the Top report


The U.S. Department of Education has released first-year progress reports for the 12 winners of the Race to the Top grant, outlining challenges but also “tremendous strides” made in reforming public education across the country.

In Hawaii’s report, the U.S. DOE listed accomplishments such as improved collaboration in planning, oversight, policy development and communications, increased community engagement and participation, and development of a longitudinal data system to assess schools’ needs and help guide instruction.

It noted Hawaii’s commitment to reforming education through Race to the Top remains strong despite challenges during the grant’s first year.

“Race to the Top states have made tremendous strides in this first year,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. He noted the grant’s first year “has helped lay the foundation for long-term, statewide improvements centered in doing what’s best for students.”

"The report from the U.S. DOE highlights our efforts and challenges to boldly transform Hawaii’s public education system,” said Stephen Schatz, assistant superintendent for the Office of Strategic Reform. "This is very hard work, but we are up for the challenge."

The report is available on the U.S. DOE website.
Hawaii representatives will travel to Washington, D.C., this week to meet with U.S. DOE officials and to collaborate with other Race to the Top states. Hawaii’s $75 million, four-year Race to the Top grant is designed to accelerate education reforms aimed at improving teacher quality, closing the achievement gap and increasing student performance.

In a Dec. 21, 2011, letter to Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie last month, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan placed Hawaii’s Race to the Top grant under “high-risk” status due to implementation delays for certain portions of the state’s plan. 


“The U.S. Department of Education's placement of Hawaii's Race to the Top grant on high-risk status is a very serious matter,” Matayoshi said. “This status change puts everyone on notice. Forging ahead, we will step up to the challenge, deliver our Race to the Top initiatives, and work harder to transform our educational system. With this in mind, it’s important to note that we have made some significant gains to date, and are committed to raising our status level with the U.S. DOE. By collaboratively working together, we will ensure that all Hawaii high school graduates are ready to succeed in college and career in today’s global economy."

January 2012 eNewsletter