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NJ Spotlight--Some Sharp Exchanges, Some Name Calling, but No Clear Winner in First Debate
Republican Guadagno is aggressor in initial debate between candidates for governor, but Democrat Murphy has no problem pushing back or going on the attack
The two candidates running to replace Gov. Chris Christie debated face to face for the first time last night, spending an hour trading accusations and boasts on issues ranging from property taxes and pension funding to handling the state economy and curbing gun violence.
The fast-paced debate in Newark provided a new opportunity for Republican Kim Guadagno, Christie’s incumbent lieutenant governor, to change the dynamic of a contest that so far has her trailing in the polls behind Democrat Phil Murphy, who’s been portraying Guadagno as a third term of the extremely unpopular Republican governor
John Reitmeyer | October 11, 2017
NJ Spotlight--One Last Question: The Candidates on District Consolidation
Home rule is still the order of the day, but both candidates understand the economic boost that would come with regionalization
As a co-sponsor of last night’s gubernatorial debate, NJ Spotlight won the chance to ask one question of candidates Phil Murphy and Kim Guadagno.
NJ Spotlight went with school consolidation and regionalization, an issue that has long-dogged a state of more than 560 school districts, leading to arguments of gross inefficiencies and inequities.
NJ Spotlight has heard the same questions and frustrations from Garden State voters as well, as part of a news collaborative, Voting Block, that is exploring voter sentiments in this election year.
But home rule continues to win the day.
http://www.njspotlight.com/stories/17/10/11/one-last-question-the-candidates-on-consolidation/
John Mooney | October 11, 2017
NJ Spotlight--Small Steps in Dyslexia Education Add up to Measurable Progress
The release of a long-awaited educator’s guidebook, as well as pending legislation on teaching reading, truly help make October Dyslexia Awareness Month
It’s a matter of small steps, but those pressing for more awareness about how best to teach students with dyslexia got some good news recently.
First, the state Department of Education released a long-awaited handbook of guidance and resources on dyslexia for schools and parents, as compiled by experts and educators specifically for New Jersey.
Then came some legislative gains, including the Senate’s and the Assembly’s approval and Gov. Chris Christie’s signing of a resolution declaring October to be Dyslexia Awareness Month.
John Mooney | October 11, 2017
11 fiery moments and fact checks from Guadagno-Murphy debate in race to replace Christie
The race to succeed Chris Christie as New Jersey's governor has struggled to turn heads so far — but Tuesday night saw more than a few sparks.
Democrat Phil Murphy and Republican Kim Guadagno met for their first of two televised debates, and the two spent an hour arguing over property taxes, pensions, guns, Harvey Weinstein, and more at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark.
There was also a technical issue that led to an awkward moment. And both tried to distance themselves from the unpopular Christie, who is set to leave office after eight years.
Here is a look at the most notable moments — and a fact-check for some of both
candidates' claims.
Brent Johnson and Samantha Marcus | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com| Posted October 11, 2017 at 06:55 AM | Updated October 11, 2017 at 06:55 AM
Education Week--Betsy DeVos Finds 'Bully Pulpit' No Easy Perch
Education secretary engages in fierce messaging battle
Late last month, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos gave a high-profile speech at Harvard University on school choice—her number-one policy priority. But afterward, all anyone could seem to talk about were the protestors yelling, "This is what white supremacy looks like!"
The problem for DeVos—arguably the best-known and most controversial secretary in the department's 30-plus-year history—is that her public appearances also provide a platform for her harshest critics, even months after her rocky confirmation process made her a social-media sensation.
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2017/10/11/betsy-devos-finds-bully-pulpit-no-easy.html
Alyson Klein|October 9, 2017
