The dog and pony show goes to D.C.

And I just can't possibly equal the written raised eyebrow of this post, as the Race to the Top finalists go to Washington next week.

As one former federal official noted, not for attribution (because criticizing RTT is not a great career move in Washington these days), "Apparently ED [by which I'm assuming this official means the Education Department...or is he mis-abbreviating Arne Duncan?] has never met a governor or other elected official. The chances that a governor will feel constrained by these schoolmarmish rules are about nil. These folks are going to go all out. Lots of theatre, lots of bells and whistles."

Speaking of bells and whistles, word on the street also has it that an anonymous donor is paying the Aspen Institute to hold prep sessions for the RTT finalists. I've been told that the sessions are already underway and include feedback on state mock presentations from a whole additional layer of consultants and administration allies from organizations such as New Leaders for New Schools. Mmmmm, can't you just smell the relentless focus on substance?