ConnCAN CEO Alex Johnston sent an email to our members today, asking them to urge their state legislators to make Race to the Top a legislative priority this session.

Already other states have passed the kinds of reforms Race to the Top judges will be looking for, and if Connecticut’s application is to stand out, we must do the same.

We have our work cut out for us. Connecticut is far from having educational policies that effectively measure student achievement, cultivate quality teachers and administrators, encourage high-performing charter schools and ensure an equitable funding system—all criteria in the competition. But as Alex points out, there is still time and hope for change:

“The Education Committee opened its session last week by announcing two top priorities: closing the achievement gap and making Connecticut competitive for Race to the Top. In meetings with legislators representing citizens across the state, I have been struck by their desire to tackle the big educational challenges that for too long have been ignored.”

In the face of a budget crisis and the worst achievement gap in the nation, $200 million from the federal government is too good to pass up. Make sure your state representative and senator know how important their work will be in securing funds for education. Tell them we can’t afford to lose this race.