Obama talks education in Madison

MADISON, Wis. - In coming weeks, states will be able to compete for a slice of a $4.5 billion education grant under the Race to the Top program.

It's President Obama's plan to strengthen the nation's education system by putting students' interests first.

"It's time to make education America's national mission," Obama said to a crowd of 600 in Madison where he unveiled "Race to the Top" - a grant program for states committed to transforming education.

"If you develop a strong plan to improve the quality of education in your state, we'll offer you a grant to help make that plan a reality," said Obama.

Before a state is even eligible to compete for federal dollars, Obama said it must remove any so-called firewall laws.

"It basically says that you can't factor in the performance of students when you're evaluating teachers," Obama said.

The president said a number of states have already taken up this challenge including Wisconsin.
He says the real competition will begin when states apply for the grants.
The program is based on four key measures of reform.

"The first measure is whether a state is committed to setting higher standards and better assessments that prepare our children to succeed in the 21st century," Obama explained.

The second is a state's commitment to hiring effective teachers and principals.

The third is whether states are tracking progress to make sure every child is ready for college and a career.

The fourth is whether a state is focused on transforming low performing schools.

"These are the four challenges that our country must meet for our children to out compete workers around the world, for our economy to grow and prosper, and for America to lead in the 21st century," said President Obama.

The Republican Party of Wisconsin said it agrees with accountability for schools, staff and students.

However, Chairman Reince Priebus said throwing money at the problem instead of changing laws in Madison won't fix anything.

"We have failing schools in Wisconsin that need to be addressed through competition, choice, merit pay, student evaluations and yes even teacher discipline, meaning getting rid of bad teachers and rewarding the good ones. But that's the piece that the Democrats in Wisconsin refuse to take part in," said Priebus.

The state Assembly is expected to vote education legislation on Thursday -- That includes allowing student testing to be used for teacher evaluations.