The Race to the Top is a $ 4. 35 billion competitive grant program designed to encourage and reward States that are creating the conditions for education innovation and reform and implementing ambitious plans in four core education reform areas:
• Adopting internationally-benchmarked standards

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and assessments that prepare students for success in college and the workplace; • Recruiting, developing, retaining, and rewarding effective teachers and principals; • Building data systems that measure student success and inform teachers and principals how they can improve their practices; and • Turning around lowest-performing schools The overarching goals are to:
• Drive substantial gains in student achievement • Improve high school graduation rates and prepare students for success in college and careers • Close achievement gaps The Department plans to make Race to the Top grants in two phases.

States that are ready to apply may do so in Phase 1, which will open in late 200 9. States that need more time may apply in Phase 2, which will open in spring 201 0. States that apply in Phase 1 but are not awarded grants may reapply for funding in Phase 2, together with States that are applying for the first time in Phase 2. Phase 1 grantees may not apply for additional funding in Phase 2. We will announce specific deadlines for both Phase 1 and Phase 2 in subsequent notice(s) inviting applications for funds under this program.