Washington state is pushing hard to improve our schools and, just recently, Gov. Chris Gregoire signed into law major education reforms.

Right now we have a crucial opportunity to get the resources we need to make a difference in our schools and for our students. Two weeks ago, the governor kicked off an effort to unite educators across the state around Washington’s application for Race to the Top funding from the federal government.

At stake is $250 million for education. These funds will play a critical role in improving our schools and advancing the reform efforts we’ve already begun.

Race to the Top brings together our teachers, administrators, principals, school board members and communities to collaborate on closing the achievement gap that leaves too many of our minority and low-income children from accomplishing all they can in school. In fact, Washington is one of the few states in which that gap is actually growing. We can and must do a better job to ensure all students can succeed in school.

The federal funds will support new research-based tools for teacher development, to evaluate teachers and principals and to help our lowest performing schools find paths to success.

Race to the Top also supports meaningful innovation in our schools. Far too often, dedicated and creative teachers and principals are stymied in their efforts to improve schools by lack of the necessary ingredients to support change. And in too many parts of our state, schools are left without the resources for robust math and science programs, up-to-date technology or meaningful professional development for staff to meet the needs of all of our students. Race to the Top funding would play a critical role in implementing these and other important changes, making them a reality in districts across our state.

Last month, the federal government announced the first two winners of Race to the Top funding:  Delaware and Tennessee.

What distinguished those states from others that applied? Their educators, school and district leaders, and associations all worked together and supported statewide plans to improve public schools for all students. They chose to make a difference.

The lesson was clear. To succeed, Washington must unite around school reform. That’s why we’re working closely with the governor on the state’s application.

In education, time does matter. Each year, more than a million children attend public school in our state. Every single one of these students deserves the best we can provide them.

Washington has 295 school districts and we need every one of them to examine how their students would benefit. Participation is the heart and soul of the state’s Race to the Top application.  Working together, teachers, principals, superintendents, support staff, school boards and community members can move our state toward the goal of a quality education for every student.

Let’s show that we can unite for the benefit of all of our students.

Monte Bridges, President, Washington Association of School Administrators

Phil Brockman, President, Association of Washington School Principals

Kevin Laverty, President, Washington State School Directors’ Association

Mary Lindquist, President, Washington Education Association