MA Wins $50 Million and Scores #2 in Early Learning Challenge

Massachusetts, one of nine states awarded grants from the competitive federal Race to the Top – Early Learning Challenge, will receive the full $50 million over four years for which it was eligible. The commonwealth, with 267 points of a possible 300 points, had the second highest score of the 35 states (plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico) that applied for the $500 million program. North Carolina, with 269.6 points, was top scorer.

Each application was scored by five reviewers (reviewers’ comments and scores (PDF). Here is a summary of the scoring for Massachusetts (score sheet (PDF):

• Selection criteria: 248.4 of a possible 280 points
  • Successful state systems: 62.8 of a possible 65 points
  • High-quality, accountable programs: 65.6 of a possible 75 points
  • Promoting early learning and development outcomes for children: 52 of a possible 60 points
  • A great early childhood education workforce: 37.2 of a possible 40 points
  • Measuring outcomes and progress: 30.8 of a possible 40 points
  • Competitive preference priorities
    • Including all early learning development programs in the tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System: 8.6 of a possible 10 points
    • Understanding the status of children’s learning and development at kindergarten entry: Yes (10 points)
  • Absolute priority: Promoting school readiness for children with high needs: Yes

And here is a list of all nine winners, with their grant amounts (maximum for which state was eligible) and total score:

• California: $52,572,935 ($100 million); 243.6 points
• Delaware: $49,878,774 ($50 million); 261.2 points
• Maryland: $49,999,143 ($50 million); 252.0 points
• Massachusetts: $50,000,000 ($50 million); 267.0 points
• Minnesota: $44,858,313 ($50 million); 250.8 points
• North Carolina: $69,991,121 ($70 million); 269.6 points
• Ohio: $69,993,362 ($70 million); 261.0 points
• Rhode Island: $50,000,000 ($50 million); 243.8 points
• Washington: $60,000,000 ($60 million); 263.8 points

Also, see the Massachusetts application (PDF) and appendix (PDF).

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