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Courtesy photo. Gov. Charlie Crist presents his monthly which in this installment deals with increasing student learning and quality education opportunities.
ORLANDO – Governor Charlie Crist today signed Florida’s overall application for $1.1 billion of the $4.35 billion federal dollars available through the Race to the Top competition while visiting Mollie E. Ray Elementary School in Orlando.
Half of the total award will be distributed to participating school districts according to a federal funding formula to implement locally-developed comprehensive education reform plans focused on accelerating student learning and improving the quality of education their schools provide.
The remaining funds will support state-level projects benefiting all school districts statewide. Read more here...
Hereis what Gov. Crist had to say about the program:
"This year presents each of us new opportunities to build a better tomorrow for families, communities and our whole state. One such opportunity is called “Race to the Top.”
"This provides Florida with the chance to compete with other states for hundreds of millions in federal education dollars. “Race to the Top” has the power to positively impact our state and every single Floridian. In order to receive the grant, we must demonstrate our ability to continue improving student achievement in Florida’s K-12 education.
"This means building a better support system for our teachers and administrators, drawing effective teachers to the schools with the greatest needs – and providing incentives to continue their outstanding work. By updating curriculum and learning assessments, we will equip students to compete internationally in emerging high-tech careers such as biotechnology, green technology and space and aviation.
"Our efforts will incorporate strategies for increasing involvement of parents and community partners. Business owners will benefit from the enhanced talent of highly skilled workforce opportunities. This will create new a business chances that will continue to diversify our economy. Most importantly, every community will see the lasting benefits of putting the success of children first.
"I hope you will join me in this effort by supporting our teachers and students any way that you can. Our economic future and quality of life depend on our success in this race."
[http://www.FLGov.com] www.FLGov.com This message was sent by: Office of Governor Charlie Crist, 400 South Monroe Street The Capitol, LL05, Tallahassee, Fl 32399-0001