Utah out of the Race to the Top

Utah's name was conspicuously absent from the list of 16 states and Washington, DC that were approved to continue in the Race to the Top grant program.

Had it been selected, Utah would have been eligible for up to $250 million in funding to implement new data and student tracking, curriculum standards, and performance pay, among other projects.

Why was Utah denied? Because we are too far west? (Colorado was the only western state selected.) Maybe because we are too Republican? Maybe because charters were screwed on the funding? (Even tiny districts were set for at least $1 million each, while charters with more students were allocated only $50,000 over four years.)

Probably not--Kentucky made the cut and charters aren't allowed there.

The reasons for Utah's disqualification weren't announced and won't be until the awards are made next month.

There's still round two, so Utah can try again. Here's hoping that if we do, charters will be treated more equitably. That could only help the application.