Successful funding can bring significant changes not only to the external state of the educational system but also to student results. The main idea behind the funding initiative Race to the Top, which was implemented in 2009 by the United States Department of Education, is to encourage the improvement of student and teacher achievements in schools on a state level. The creation of this initiative brought many changes to how the state leaders perceive the regulations connected to the school structure. Although this funding program is not enforced, many states see it as an opportunity to improve their education system. The purpose of this paper is to explore the Race to the Top financial initiative and its possible application in schools.
The Development of Leadership Roles
There are many application criteria that have to be followed in order to participate in the Race to the Top grant. These standards encourage schools to change their educational systems and adopt new assessments in order to concentrate the attention on students’ ability to receive a higher education and succeed in life (“Race to the Top,” 2017). One of the criteria focuses on teachers and principals, placing the priority on their effectiveness (Dragoset et al., 2016). This measure of efficiency encourages teachers to make sure that every student’s performance is at the highest level. By concentrating the attention on the accomplishments of students, this initiative sets a higher bar for teachers, making them more driven. Teacher’s approach plays an important role in the success of students, and if an educator becomes a motivated leader, who wants to see students prevail, this may significantly impact not only grades but also overall performance during and after school (Dragoset et al., 2015).
The Use of Funding for Educational Media
However, strong leadership is not the only key to a better education. The materials used during lessons play a significant role as well. With the right funding, educational media can transform student’s ability to understand and memorize information. For example, access to a bigger library and new editions of books on a variety of topics give the students an opportunity to broaden their horizons and learn about new concepts and ideas. Furthermore, the use of interactive media in a classroom can create a better environment for younger students. It can also affect their view of the other cultures. For some students, access to library media can help celebrate their culture and promote diversity. Students with disabilities, for example, can acquire new information easier through books or audio files. These actions will support the Standard of Ethics, Equity, and Diversity of the NBTS for Library Media. Receiving more information in a comprehensible and entertaining way can positively affect students of all ages and backgrounds.
Conclusion
The Race to the Top funding requires many states to reevaluate the established educational system and create more rigorous evaluation procedures. All in all, the Race to the Top financial initiative can bring a plethora of positive changes to the school structure, leadership skills of the teachers, and media accessibility and quality. Right levels of incentive from the government may result in a better performance of every school, and by participating the state receives an opportunity to invest more funds in education and encourage schools to adhere to a higher standard. As a result, these funds will return in the form of passionate teachers and qualified workers.
References
Dragoset, L., James-Burdumy, S., Hallgren, K., Perez-Johnson, I., Herrmann, M., Tuttle, C.,… Graczewski, C. (2015). Usage of policies and practices promoted by Race to the Top. Washington, DC: National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance, Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education.
Dragoset, L., Thomas, J., Herrmann, M., Deke, J., James-Burdumy, S., Graczewski, C.,… Upton, R. (2016). Race to the Top: Implementation and 22 relationship to student outcomes. Washington, DC: National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance, Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education.
Race to the Top fund. (2017). Web.