Madison (WFRV) - On the first anniversary of his election, President Barack Obama spoke to students at Wright Middle School in Madison today.
The President announced the details of a plan helping schools "Race to the Top" initiative.
The federal grant program allows states to compete for over $4 billion dollars in education funding. To qualify states must do 4 major things:
- Set laws that remove firewalls. In other words, student performance should be considered in evaluating teachers.
- Improve the quality of teachers and principals.
- Track the progress of students and teachers.
- Perform complete overhauls of schools if necessary.
The President's visit also comes as state lawmakers are considering a proposal to allow the mayor of Milwaukee to take over control of that city's struggling school district.
Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle supports the move as does Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, a potential Democratic candidate for governor next year.
There's also support for the move within the Obama administration.
U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan supports mayors taking control of big-city school districts where academic performance is suffering, saying that leads to strong leadership and stability.
No bill on the takeover plan has been introduced yet in the Legislature. Doyle says a special session later this month may be needed.
