State Senator Kevin Parker announces a victory for students and schools

(Brooklyn, NY) "I am pleased to announce that New York won $700 million in Race to the Top funding for our schools today," said State Senator Kevin Parker (D-21). In announcing the recipients of Race to the Top funds, U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan hailed New York for showing “a tremendous amount of leadership and a bold commitment to education reform.”
 
"As Majority Whip, I knew that if all the parties worked together as a team -- legislators, principals, teachers and the State Education Department -- we would have the votes necessary to pass the landmark education reforms that paved the way for today’s victory," the Senator said.  These reforms add more transparency and accountability into New York's schools, with rigorous new evaluation standards for teachers and principals, a new data system for tracking student performance from pre-k through post secondary education, and new rules for the financial oversight and expansion of charter schools. "Our success with Race to the Top will lead to a better learning environment for students, more resources for schools, and more investment in our teachers."
 
“I have worked tirelessly over the years to improve education outcomes for our children,” said Senator Parker.  “I wish to thank all of the stakeholders for working with us on the application for this vital grant."
New York was one of nine states and the District of Columbia to win in the second round of the Race to the Top competition.  The other states were Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Ohio and Rhode Island.
 
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