Gov. Gregoire highlights local schools meeting goals of Race to the Top initiative

For Immediate Release: November 10, 2009

TACOMA/SEATTLE � Gov. Chris Gregoire today visited three Puget Sound area schools that are actively engaged in improvement efforts and exemplify the type of innovation and external partnerships that are called for in the U.S. Department of Education�s Race to the Top Initiative. Joining Gregoire were Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn and Washington Education Association President Mary Lindquist.

�Today I visited schools that are working extremely hard to improve student learning by bringing best practices to the classroom,� Gregoire said. �We also saw a school that exemplifies the success that can be realized when innovation and good practice come together. This will help me and other state leaders craft a competitive application for Race to the Top funds.�

Both Dimmit Middle School and Southgate Elementary School are part of the state�s Summit Schools Initiative, where an entire district commits to implement comprehensive change to improve achievement. These districts have a number of schools where students are achieving at levels significantly lower than the state averages. Both schools are already showing improvement.

Tacoma School of the Arts emphasizes human expression through the visual and performing arts. Teachers incorporate innovative approaches to learning through an integrated curriculum. Students are exposed to job-related experiences through their community partners. Historically, performance on state assessments for School of the Arts students has been among the highest in Puget Sound, with the dropout rate reported for last year at 1.5 percent.

�I�m very happy to be touring these great schools with the Governor and WEA President Lindquist,� said Randy Dorn, superintendent of public instruction. �We�re here to learn about the innovation that�s possible in our system and to show that we are serious about Race to the Top money. But we also need to look at more systemic changes, changes that will lead to long-term results after the money is gone.�

�These three innovative � and very different -- schools show what�s possible when professional educators have the support and resources they need,� said Lindquist.

States will be competing for $4 billion in Race to the Top grants. The most well-positioned states to receive the federal grants must demonstrate methods to improve student learning by focusing efforts in four key areas. Those key areas are using quality standards and assessments, supporting effective instruction and leadership, using data to link achievement, programs and practices, and focusing on low-performing schools.

In July, Gregoire announced she had asked Dorn and Washington State Board of Education Chair Mary Jean Ryan to join her as co-chairs of the leadership team charged with ensuring Washington state receives a Race to the Top federal grant. The Obama Administration is requiring each grant submittal be signed by the state�s governor, state superintendent and education board chair.