Vote early and often. The next phase of the Race to the Top Commencement Challenge, which I’ve blogged about a couple of times, began Monday. President Obama will speak at the graduation ceremony this spring for the winning high school.
You can view a three-minute video and short essay from each of the six finalists chosen by the administration and rate them from 1 to 5. But don’t be fooled into thinking your vote will decide the ultimate outcome. The voting only determines the three top finalists. Then, President Obama will select the winner.
For more details, see this description from the White House. Voting ends at 11:59 p.m. EDT this Thursday, April 29. The winner will be announced on May 4.
Being a cynical reporter, I can’t help but point out that four of the six finalist schools are in political “swing” states in presidential elections: Colorado, Florida, Michigan, and Ohio. So rest assured, Curriculum Matters will be watching carefully to make sure this whole selection process is above board!
Photo Information: President Barack Obama waves as he arrives to deliver the commencement speech during the May 2009 graduation ceremony at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind. Gerald Herbert/AP-File