Press Release
Today, U.S. Senators Mark Udall and Michael Bennet welcomed news that Colorado received almost $18 million through the “Race to the Top” program to promote education reforms aimed at improving student achievement in grades K-12.
“Colorado continues to lead by example, and I’m glad the administration has finally recognized the efforts of statewide collaboration to improve progress in the classroom,” Udall said. “I’m proud of our commitment to our kids, and making progress in education, and this is further evidence. We can’t win in the global economic race until we ensure struggling schools succeed and that all children leave school ready for success.”
“The Administration has been slow to realize what Colorado already knows: Colorado has been a leader in driving innovation and reform,” Bennet said. “This well-deserved, albeit late, award will help Colorado continue its nationally recognized efforts to make sure all of our kids have access to a quality education that prepares them for college and the 21st century job market.”
Colorado is one of seven states to win the third round of Race to the Top (RTT3). The pivotal program has generated more progress in improving our nation’s education system over the last three years than we’ve seen over the last decade.
RTT3 focuses on supporting efforts to leverage comprehensive statewide reform, while also improving science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. The seven winning applications include commitments to enhance data systems, raise academic standards, improve principal and teacher support and evaluation systems and implement school interventions in underperforming schools.