Who is betting on Maryland as a RTT winner?
Now that Maryland has secured a spot as one of the 19 finalists for the $3.4 billion education give away, I'd like to hear whether readers believe the state will be a finalist. We were one of a very few states on the list that wasn't a finalist in round one this winter, so what is the chance that we wiill win? U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan said between 10 and 15 of the second round finalists will probably be designated a winner, depending on how many of the top states have large or small populations. So if a small state like Rhode Island were to be one of the winners, more money would be left for another state to get some too.
The stakes are particularly high for Prince George's and Baltimore City as they attempt to accelerate the improvements they have made in those school districts. With diminishing tax revenue the state may have a hard time not cutting education funding next year. So any extra cash the state can bring in may reduce the pain on local governments.
Baltimoresun.com's 
Comments
I've always thought we were a long shot, and I'm surprised we made this cut. Our charter law is weak weak weak and charters have been met with resistance in most counties other than Baltimore City. But I don't know how many points this is worth.
Our state data systems are fledgling. We didn't have a unique identifier for students (which is needed to track test data back to teachers for evaluation) until just recently, but maybe we've made enough progress here.
Finally, one of the biggest systems (Mont. Co.) has not signed on.
Maybe Grasmick and O'Malley can do enough smooth-talking during the interview portion?
Posted by: Michelle | July 28, 2010 9:47 AM
I read an article in a New York paper today that stated some national experts feel that Kentucky and Maryland applications are lacking.
Posted by: Anonymous | July 28, 2010 6:59 PM
If the state prepares and performs in this application race as well as G.W. and Abbottstown performed on their testing, we are assured of coming on top as a RTT winner.
Posted by: Abe | July 29, 2010 12:08 AM
Liz,
We have virtually no shot to "win" this competition. If you look at the kind of education reforms that have been enacted nationally (see Colorado) the "reforms" that we are touting are laughable. The State Legislature has done absolutely nothing of any significance to reform our public education system. Consequently, we are almost certain to miss out on funds that our students could certainly use. Our presentation is fine, but you can only put so much lipstick on a pig.
Posted by: Scott | July 29, 2010 8:04 AM
No money to fund a bet@ betting on Maryland as a RTT winner?
I applaud as being correct. Below Michelle’s earlier comment about the resent implementation purchase of the state student data system which all 24 state school districts are not yet connected due to non-funded mandate by MSDE byway of no state governor funding contribution.
Posted by: Interested & Engaged Parent of City Schools | July 29, 2010 9:49 AM