Next Race to the Top-District competition fast approaching

School districts that could use additional financial help implementing the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) may be able to receive it soon. The U.S. Department of Education recently announced that the 2013 Race to the Top-District competition - which has nearly $120 million to spread among school systems - is on its way.

With Race to the Top, the goal is to help teachers become more effective educators and, as a result, boost student achievement. The funding goes to districts where bold and locally directed educational improvements are taking place. In 2012, 16 Race to the Top-District grantees received a total of approximately $383 million in funding.

"The Race to the Top-District competition is an opportunity for trailblazing districts across the country to implement models of personalized learning so that every child graduates college and is career ready," said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan in a statement. "The program is designed to support teachers and school leaders in their use of innovative strategies as we seek to build a stronger future for America's students."

Districts that are interested in applying should inform the Department of their intent by August 23, 2013, with applications officially due October 3, 2013.