PA Education News: August 25, 2010

Yesterday it was announced that Pennsylvania would not be among the grant funding winners in the second round of the federal Race to the Top competition. View the Secretary of Education Arne Duncan's video announcement here.

How Pennsylvania has responded:

Pennsylvania falls short in Race to the Top Pittsburgh Post- Gazette
It came as a surprise to many that Pa. placed 18th in this second round, a sharp drop from its 7th place rank in the competition's first round.

RACE TO THE TOP: Rendell ‘very disappointed’ that state finishes 18th Centre Daily Times

Gov. Ed Rendell attributes Pennsylvania’s loss to a lack of an alternative teacher certification program, as well as the state's refusal to submit an application based on unrealistic goals.

Pa. lost federal funding race, but education ideas could stick The York Dispatch

State Dept. of Education spokesperson Steve Weitzman comments that, regardless of outcome, the application process was valuable for creating momentum for state education reform.

What some blog commentators are saying:

Race to the Top's Biggest Losers The Huffington Post

Wednesday Morning Coffee: Shout To The Top The Morning Call

Race to the Top Winners Reveal Strong East Coast Bent GOOD Education