Maryland's Race to the Top application, which pushed state officials to change laws and regulations, was hand delivered a few hours ago to the U.S. Department of Education. It is likely to be a couple of months before we learn whether Maryland will be one of the finalists. Education experts believe 15 or so states will be finalists. That group of states will then go to Washington to argue their case. A final decision is expected by September.

In the end, the Prince George's County teachers did sign the application, joining the city's teachers as well. Prince George's stands to gain significant money for its schools. 

Gov. Martin O'Malley also signed an executive order today creating the Maryland Council for Educator Effectiveness. The council, made up of teachers, principals, education experts and legislators, will spend the next seven months creating a model for teacher evaluations as is required by the recently passed state education reform law.