Grant competition divides La. education groups

Fifty-nine public school districts have decided to participate in the state’s competition for a slice of $4 billion in federal “Race to the Top” education grant money. That’s most of Louisiana’s school districts. Locally, school districts in East Baton Rouge, Ascension and Livingston parishes are participating in the competition, along with Baker and Zachary public schools. Education groups are more divided on Louisiana’s application, which could require changes in teacher evaluations, teacher pay, student assessments and leadership at low-performing schools. Superintendent of Education Paul Pastorek stood with a group of education leaders today to show solidarity for the state’s application. But the Louisiana School Boards Association opposes Louisiana participation in “Race to the Top.” And the Louisiana Association of Educators, whose leader stood with Pastorek today, hasn’t committed either.