Race to the Top (RTTT) Fund
Race to the Top Award Winners: SPARK Is The Partner You Need To Improve Student Achievement!

Thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) and U.S. Department of Education, $4.35 billion is being provided for the Race to the Top Fund to award States for innovative education reform.

Through this new funding initiative, states are able to apply for funds to increase student achievement, decrease the achievement gap, and increase graduation rates.

Priorities for this funding include:

  • Improve Early Learning outcomes and school readiness
  • Create environmental change to support, rather than obstruct, student success
  • Increase learning time to provide enrichment activities that contribute to a well-rounded education, including physical education
  • Develop and retain effective teachers

UPDATE: President Obama announced his plans to continue the Race to the Top challenge, requesting $1.35 billion for the program in his FY 2011 budget.

Was your state awarded RTTT funds?

If so, SPARK would like to help with your initiative! SPARK offers evidence-based Early Childhood, Physical Education, Activity & Coordinated School Health programs targeting pre-K through 12th grade students in and out of school, and our programs have been proven to WORK and LAST.

Healthy students are better learners, and increasing the quality and quantity of in-school physical education and out-of-school physical activity opportunities will enable your students to be healthier, happier, and more ready to learn.

Creating a supportive and healthy learning environment will also encourage students to make healthier lifestyle choices and achieve academic success.

SPARK staff development training will improve your teachers’ ability to lead safe, fun and high quality physical activity in the classroom or physical education setting. Developing effective teachers to lead activity sessions is the first crucial step to improving your physical education program!

Click Here to read how North Carolina successfully implemented the SPARK Programs to create healthier learners.

Click Here for CDC’s recent report “School-Based Physical Education: An Action Guide”. This document may provide guidance in determining your state’s approach to increasing physical activity. SPARK is mentioned throughout the report as an evidence-based program that increases the quality and quantity of activity for all students.

Next Steps:
  1. Click Here for updates about grant awards and funding for 2011
  2. Contact Kymm Ballard, Ed.D at SPARK. She'll ask you a few questions, learn about your current program, and listen to your vision for creating healthier learners in your community. Together, we'll create a program that will WORK and LAST.

      Questions? Contact Kymm Ballard, Ed.D:

      kballard@sparkpe.org