While Andy grows increasingly pessimistic about the education stimulus, I am starting to see some more reasons for hope. (Of course, it would be hard for me to be even more pessimistic than I was when Congress churned the law??out of its sausage-grinder.)
Why??do I think this monstrosity might actually do??a little bit of??good? I spent some time last week with leaders of state-based education reform organizations (through the Policy Innovators in Education Network, which Fordham helped to launch). And sure enough, I heard bona fide stories of state legislatures contemplating doing politically difficult but reform-minded things because they think it will help them snag "Race to the Top" funds.
The best example in Maine, which is considering becoming the 42nd state with a charter school law. The argument that might finally push legislators over the top is their desire for more federal cash. Note this press release from the (optimistically-named) Maine Association of Charter Schools:
President Obama and US Secretary of Education Duncan have made expanding public charter schools a priority of their education policy. According to Newsweek, "Duncan recently warned that he may withhold federal education stimulus money from states that limit the number of charter schools." (Newsweek, May 8, 2009 , "Classroom cop")
Of course, Maine will get the bulk of its stimulus dollars no matter what. But if it wants a slice of the $5 billion race to the top kitty, it's got to hurry up and pass a charter law. And if that happens, the Obama Administration deserves some credit.
Similar stories are playing out elsewhere, such as Illinois, where Arne Duncan's tough talk seems to have resonated with some state lawmakers, who are considering lifting their own charter cap.
So while most of the stimulus cash??will likely??go to waste, it just might bribe some legislators to act. But??even that??effect could be short-lived; most legislative sessions end within a few weeks. So lawmakers: get cracking!
