Lowe In The News

SEN. FINNEY HELPS LEAD APPROVAL OF RACE TO THE TOP APPLICATION

Sen. Lowe Finney, D-Jackson, helped lead the passage Friday evening of the Tennessee First to the Top Act of 2010 bill. The bill will now go to Gov. Phil Bredesen as part of the state's application for $485 million in federal funds for education.

The Senate approved an amendment sponsored by Sen. Finney to establish a teacher professional development fund of $65 million in federal "Race to the Top" money. The fund is specifically designed to provide training and assistance to teachers serving in struggling schools.

"Race to the Top is about student achievement and teacher effectiveness. This fund will serve both purposes as it helps educators sharpen their skills," Sen. Finney said.

The bill also will require a combination of student achievement data in assessing teacher performance. A committee made up of teachers, parents, administrators and education experts will determine how that data will be used.

The legislation is an integral part of Tennessee's application for federal funds for education as part of the Race to the Top application. Under the application, low-performing schools would be eligible for assistance from outside organizations and the state Department of Education to improve those schools over the next four years.

If the state's application is successful, Madison County potentially would receive $4.1 million in Race to the Top funds. Carroll County schools would receive $1.04 million, and Gibson County schools would receive $1.7 million.