Race+to+the+Top

Race to the Top  Alexia Williams, Simin Fang, Vivian Rodriguez, Christopher Bender & Nas Jones

**I. Description of Problem or Issue**
__QUESTIONS:__ a. When Rhode Island received a lump sum did they know that there were strings attached? And how have they met the requirements? b. Is it possible for the United States to compete globally with the challenges it faces? c. Are students nationwide benefiting from Race to the Top? d. Why are parents choosing to opt out? e. Where is Race to the Top now?

**II. Research Summary**
//**Alexia's research showed:**// Rhode Island policy makers knew the specification of the Race to the Top grant. However, educators, families, and many members on the administrative level were not aware.

//**Simin's research showed:**// According to results from PISA 2012 on the United States, the United States ranked 27th in mathematics among the 34 OECD countries, 20th in science and 17th in reading. Some policy makers and educators think the result indicates the public school failing in the United States. However, more data and analysis show that the American low performance in PISA is not because American children are taught to be less smart, but because there are still too many children in poverty in this highly developed country. Policy makers should not panic to make rush decisions on changing school system. They should focus more on changing the poverty. With the high per capita GDP in the United States and better educated parents, the United States can compete globally.

//**Vivian's research showed:**// Race to the Top has its benefits for the students and schools if the state won one of the phases. Research shows that some states's students have excelled while others fall behind or remain at a certain level. The states that have excelled were rewarded with a large amount of money, while the other did not, but all states schools must to do well on the standardized tests. In my opinion students are not given as much as what they deserve, yes they giving the money for the school, and yes the money helps with some of what the cost of technology and activities that were taken away to some schools because the budget. But at what cost? Students have to work twice as hard now so that their test scores are higher then the year before, because if they are not, Race to the Top Administrators will fire staff, teachers, and the principal because the requirements of that school was not met. slowly transforming the once public school into a charter school.

//**Chris's research showed:**//

//**Nas's research showed:**//

**III. Group Project Overview**
We will present our findings in a PowerPoint. The presentation will contain our questions with the answers. When we finish our PowerPoint, an oral activity will be provided, in which students will be given a prize for their attentiveness. To end the Presentation we will like to hear what the students think about Race to the Top, (standardized test, student benefits, money, etc...) and their experiences.

**V. Annotated Bibliography**
When Rhode Island received a lump sum did they know that there were strings attached? And how have they met the requirements? Is it possible for the United States to compete globally with the challenges it faces? Are students nationwide benefiting from Race to the Top? Why are parents choosing to opt out? Where is Race to the Top now?