Md.To Get $250M: Evaluation Plans Approved In 21 School Systems

BALTIMORE (AP) -- The Maryland State Department of Education says it has approved teacher and principal evaluation plans in 21 Maryland school systems, clearing the way for the state to receive $250 million in federal funds.

The department announced the approvals Thursday. Data tied to Maryland's statewide standardized test, the Maryland School Assessment, or MSA, makes up 20 percent of the measure for evaluating teachers.

Schools in Montgomery and Frederick counties opted out of the federal Race to the Top grant to avoid meeting federal and state requirements. Baltimore public schools still need their plan approved.

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