Summary

Race to the Top (RTTT) was authorized under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), which was signed by President Obama February 17, 2009.

RTTT establishes Federal goals for education and offers $4.3 billion in grants to reward states that have already demonstrated support for and success towards implementing these goals, and incent states to align or further align with Federal goals.  Awards will be based 52% on proven accomplishments and 48% on future plans.  $3.95 billion will be awarded to states, and $350 million will be awarded for a multi-state Standards & Assessments competition.

RTTT goals are to improve student achievement, close achievement gaps between best and lowest performing schools, improve high school graduation rates, ensure post-secondary success, and address the four ARRA education reform areas.