Race to the Top Discussion Points to determine LUSD’s interest in participating in the State program January 7, 2010

State Application CA is applying for part of federal money – 4.35 billion dollars total CA can receive 350 – 700 million dollars 50% will be allocated to LEA’s based on Title I, but not restricted to Title I schools Not sure how remaining funds allocated Unclear how much LUSD would receive One time funds over 4 years Any or all schools can participate MOU due to State January 8, 2010

4 Assurances Goals of Program Adopt standards and assessments that prepare students to succeed in college and the workplace and to compete in the global economy Build data systems that measure student growth and success and inform teachers and principals about how they can improve instruction Recruit, develop, reward, and retain effective teachers and principals, especially where they are needed most Turn around lowest achieving schools

District Requirements District would need to agree to implement the 4 assurances as described in the next slides District would have 90 days after the state plan is approved to submit a scope of work to address the assurances

Standards and Assessment National standards Professional development related to new curriculum Pilot new student growth accountability model

Data Systems Use a local instructional improvement system Collaborate with state on reporting of teacher and student absences, ACT/SAT scores, and other elements Use formative assessments aligned to standards to inform instruction Make data available to researchers as appropriate Provide professional development for teachers and leaders on using data to improve instruction

Great Teachers and Leaders Implement teacher and principal evaluation systems that use multiple measures, including student achievement growth data as a significant factor Evaluate teachers and principals annually (some flexibility provided) Use evaluation data to inform professional development and decisions about compensation, promotion, retention, tenure, and dismissal Equitable and fair distribution of effective teachers and principals On-going support for leaders and teachers

Turn around lowest achieving schools Implement 1 of 4 options for identified schools 1. Change leadership and majority of staff 2. Turn the school into a Charter school 3. School closure 4. Transformation model, includes all of following Replace principal Implement new evaluation systems Reward effective principals and teachers and remove non effective staff Implement professional development model Offer financial incentives, promotion opportunities, flexible work conditions

Issues to Consider State does not have all details defined Some elements of requirements will need to go through negotiations LEA’s can apply directly to federal government for funds through Innovation Grants – details not yet available State has included MOU exit criteria