The ARRA provides $4.3 billion for the Race to the Top Fund (referred to in the statute as the State Incentive Grant Fund). This is a competitive grant program. The purpose of the program is to encourage and reward States that are creating the conditions for education innovation and reform; achieving significant improvement in student outcomes, including making substantial gains in student achievement, closing achievement gaps, improving high school graduation rates, and ensuring student preparation for success in college and careers; and implementing ambitious plans in four core education reform areas: (a) adopting internationally-benchmarked standards and assessments that prepare students for success in college and the workplace; (b) building data systems that measure student success and inform teachers and principals in how they can improve their practices; (c) increasing teacher effectiveness and achieving equity in teacher distribution; and (d) turning around our lowest-achieving schools.
In order to allow for the Race to the Top grants to be awarded in two phases, we are committed to expediting the application for Race to the Top, necessitating emergency clearance of the application.
The Department is requesting emergency clearance so governors may begin applying as soon as possible for the first phase of Race to the Top funding. Since this is an ARRA-related emergency collection and there is an immediate need to make applications available, the Department is requesting emergency approval. ARRA funds must be obligated by September 30, 2010. In addition, the Department plans to allow states two opportunities to apply for Race to the Top funds. In order to allow for the Race to the Top grants to be awarded in two phases, and for States unsuccessful in Phase 1 to have appropriate time to reapply in Phase 2, the Department is committed to expediting the application for Race to the Top, necessitating emergency clearance of the application.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.