Maryland has just posted its Race to the Top application on its website. Here's the link. I have just started reading, but the emphasis seems to be on steps the state will take to close the achievement gap. The application says Maryland will rewrite its standards, curriculum and assessments to adhere to the new national standards, that it will try to turnaround more low performing schools through a turnaround center it has been setting up, and better train and prepare its teachers. The application also says it will strengthen teacher evaluation systems (as it has to under a bill passed last night) and create a powerful new data tracking system.
So please post your comments here after you have had time to read the report. My sources say to skim section A and give a close read to sections D and E.
More on this subject later.