Today’s news that Tennessee has been named one of the first two Race to the Top recipients is a wonderful development for our state. It validates the hard work of so many people to improve public education across the state, and it also provides game-changing funding and inspiration to accomplish so much more. The fact is that Tennessee’s proposal was especially strong because we’re already implementing many of the strategies that the Race to the Top grant emphasized.

•    We have implemented rigorous new academic standards and assessment measures.
•    We have attracted national partners and grant-makers to help recruit, train, reward and retain more effective school leaders and teachers.
•    We have the richest set of value-added data in the nation to measure student growth and success

The challenge now is to take full advantage of what is a defining moment for our state. With resources, public will, and local, state and national partners aligned like never before, we have an historic opportunity here in Memphis and across the state to close the achievement gap between lower- and upper-income students and to better prepare our children for college and work.

With this news, the spotlight – and the opportunity – continues to grow in Memphis and across the state. I know we will continue to rise to the occasion.

Congratulations, Tennessee!