RALEIGH, N.C. – Gov. Bev Perdue today launched racetothetop.nc.gov and called upon North Carolinians to participate in the federal “Race to the Top” initiative.

As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Race to the Top is a federal $4.5 billion competitive grant fund that rewards states for educational innovation and achieving significant improvements in how students perform.

In addition to providing information about North Carolina’s Race to the Top efforts, the new website seeks ideas and suggestions from the public regarding new education innovations and reforms.

“North Carolina is already a national leader in educational innovation,” said Perdue. “We are turning around low-performing schools, working to lower the dropout rate and creating a network for virtual school learning opportunities so all students are career ready. I’m confident that our state is in a good position to receive Race to the Top funding.”

As part of Race to the Top requirements, each state must submit an application from the Governor and signed by the Chairman of State Board of Education and the Chief State School Officer. The application must assess the state’s current education reform efforts and build on those by presenting a comprehensive plan for improving student outcomes in four areas:

· Internationally-benchmarked standards and assessments.

· Development of data systems that measure success and improve instruction.

· Supporting effective teachers and leaders.

· Turning around low-performing schools.

North Carolina is already working on higher standards, better curriculum, developing teachers, and improving low performing schools. In addition, the state is creating new and meaningful assessments, including putting in place a Pre-K to 20 data information system to help keep students on grade level, and to ensure graduates are career ready and prepared for higher education.

The U.S. Department of Education will award the first Race to the Top grants in early 2010.