This fall, the nine states that finished as runners up in last year's groundbreaking Race to the Top competition will have an opportunity to reapply for a grant. The winners will receive a combined $200 million to help implement the bold education reform plans they developed last year. Many of the eligible states already have clear roadmaps toward…

Procedures, financial controls and reports, and leadership are the three major components that "set the tone" for an effective, accountable, and ethical organization. Procedures must be formally documented instead of passed down verbally on the premise that "we've always done it this way." Meaningful management reports should be developed and…