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Department of Education Reaches Out for Nominations for 2012 'Exemplary Educators'
The deadline for nominations is 4-6-12. Click here on More for detailed information. More... November Elections for Schools - Department of Education FAQ's
More... S1455 Ruiz TEACHNJ Act
This bill is in PDF format for your convenience in downloding and printing. More... 2-3-12 Education in the News - Trenton on the move
NJ Spotlight - Fine Print: Sen. Ruiz’s New Tenure Bill…New teacher categories and a new emphasis on evaluation and student performance make this bill both controversial and compelling… “…But the new bill provides added powers for superintendents and school boards to sign off on the decisions…” New Jersey Newsroom - N.J. Assembly panel approves bill raising mandatory school attendance from age 16 to 18
Asbury Park Press - Bills restricting charter schools advance… “…Another bill that would ramp up requirements on current charter schools passed unanimously Thursday… The bills are expected to come to a vote in the Assembly. It was uncertain whether they expected to advance in the Senate.”
NJ Spotlight - Assembly Committee Votes to Put Charters Under Local Control…Bill calls for local referendum on any school that wants to be granted a charter in a NJ district… “…But the local referendum bill may never get to the governor’s desk, since the Senate has yet to take up the measure… Gov. Chris Christie is not expected to support it, but he has lately sent some mixed messages on the extent of charter school growth in the state, and especially in better-performing suburban districts...” 2-3-12 Trenton Update: Legislative action on Thursday
Education Issues were front and center yesterday in Trenton. Senator Ruiz' Tenure and Evaluation bill, S1455 TEACH NJ was released for public review...The Assembly Education Committee heard and voted out several bills in a long afternoon hearing, includind Charter School related bills A1877 Local Vote (required before allowing - or not - a charter school to be established in a local district); A2147 Charter School Accountability and Transparency Act; and A1608 Janet's Law which requires that local schools have defibrillators on site...GSCS testified in favor of all 3 bills. Janet's Law has already passed in the Senate Education committee and is poised for final passage. The Charter school bills have not seen any action in the Senate yet...Stay tuned... 2-2-12 Education in the News - Test Results...differing perspectives
Star Ledger - Despite aid cuts, N.J. students improved test scores in 2010-11 school year… “New Jersey's public school students racked up slightly higher test scores in most grades in the 2010-11 school year, despite Gov. Chris Christie's cutting about $1 billion in state aid to schools that year, according to standardized test results released today by the state Board of Education…” NJ Spotlight - State Test Scores Reveal Some Gains, Widening Achievement Gap…Budget cuts cost New Jersey school districts $1 billion, with some of the poorest districts paying the biggest price
Press of Atlantic City – Students' test scores divided by socio-economic gap in New Jersey… “…Suburban districts are working to address the special needs of low-income students. Galloway Township Superintendent Annette Giaquinto said the district is encouraging more low-income students to come in for breakfast because it can lead to better academic performance. Anderson said it takes a lot of extra programs to compensate for the effects of poverty…” 2-1-12 Assembly Education Committe to Hold Hearing on Charter School Initiatives
The Assembly Education Committee on Thursday will consider a package of bills to strengthen the development and authorization of charter schools in New Jersey. The hearing is set for 2 p.m. Thursday, February 2, in Committee Room 11 on the fourth floor of the State House Annex. It will be streamed live at www.njleg.state.nj.us.(per Assembly Democrats release) More... 2-1-12 Anti-Bullying and Special Education Education Issues in the News
Star Ledger editorial - 'N.J. should fix anti-bullying law, not gut it'...(GSCS Note: GSCS concurs with the spirit of this editorial. GSCS was present at the Council of Local Mandates hearing when they rendered their decision on the law being an unfunded mandate. The Council made it clear that they hoped that the state would fix the law by addressing the unfunded mandate problem within the law. In fact, that is why - as stated with clarity by the Council at that time - that the Council's decision included a 60 day delay which would give the state time to 'fix' the problem and thus the law's intent could stay uninterrupted and intact.)
NJ Spotlight - Newark Special Ed Settlement, A Decade in the Details Upcoming - Assembly and Senate Education Committee Agendas
The Assembly Education Committee is scheduled to meet Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. in Committee Room 11, 4th floor, the State House Annex (Charter School Reform bills are on this agenda).
The Senate Education Committee will meet on Monday, February 6, 2012 at 10:00 AM in Committee Room 6, 1st Floor, State House Annex...Click here on More to see bills listed for hearing in both committees. 1-31-12 'Christie Open to Ways to Remedy Anti-Bullying Setback'
NJ Spotlight - Christie Open to Ways to Remedy Anti-Bullying Setback…Money may be found to satisfy state ruling that portions of the landmark law are an unfunded mandate… “"Would removing those portions that are an unfunded mandate eviscerate the bill?" he [Christie] said. "If that is the case, perhaps we can talk about ways that maybe could fund it." More... 1-30-12 Education Issues in the News
NJ Spotlight - Dealing with Bullies Back in NJ Legislature’s Court...Little-known state council directs lawmakers to fix unfunded state mandate NJ Spotlight - 'Hybrid' Charters Will Meld Online Lessons With Conventional Instruction…Education 'entrepreneur' to bring new type of school to two of New Jersey’s toughest cities
The Record - Kelly: Teachers turn to subtler protests over contracts 1-27-12 Breaking News: Council on Local Mandates Issues Anti-Bullying Decision this afternoon - an unfunded mandate
GSCS Notes (GSCS was present at the hearing at the Statehouse Annex today): The Council on Local Mandates at its hearing in Trenton today determined by a 7-2 vote that Anti-Bullying legislation as presently constituted is an unfunded mandate…Council Chairman John Sweeney stated that the law “should be fixed but that’s the job of the legislature and the Governor." Council members noted that the Allamuchy School District's unfunded mandate complaint, was supported by other districts such as Ridgewood, Marlboro, Rivervale and Demarest via resolutions submitted to the Council. The order is to become effective when the Council’s written decision is issued…probably within 60 days or so. The Council’s stated hope is that legislature will figure out way to fund this mandate, so that the “law and its intent not lost at all.” Council does support anti-bullying legislation and…”the state should put its money where its mouth is.”
The Record - Anti-bullying law imposes unfunded mandate on N.J. school districts, state body rules
Nj.com-Star Ledger - N.J. will need money to fund new anti-bullying law, council rules 1-26-12 School Districts Sign on to Move Board Elections to November
NJ Spotlight - School Districts Sign on to Move Board Elections to November...Breaking with century-old tradition, nearly 60 districts opt to hold their contests on Election Day More... 1-26-12 'Warren County school district challenges N.J. anti-bullying law'
(GSCS FYI: The Council on Local Mandates is holding a hearing on this issue tomorrow.)
Star Ledger - Warren County school district challenges N.J. anti-bullying law… “The New Jersey State Bar Association filed a brief supporting the anti-bullying law as constitutional, while the Ridgewood and River Vale school districts submitted resolutions in favor of Allamuchy...But while school districts across the state say they support the idea of eradicating bullying, many have complained provisions of the new law are costly and time-consuming. 1-25-12 Education and Related Issues in the News
Courier Post-Associated Press - Analysis: N.J. educators earn D+… “The analysis considers how teachers are trained, evaluated, rewarded and fired.But it does not assess the overall state of teaching and learning. That’s an area where, on average, New Jersey is among the highest-performing states …“—…“ The group did find a few bright spots in the state, where it said New Jersey has best practices: It found its standards for high school science teachers are high, and the state is good at dismissing teachers who do not meet license requirements.” NJ Spotlight - Finger-Pointing Precedes Teacher Contract Talks in Newark…With negotiations resuming, union, superintendent at odds over plans for troubled schools
Press of Atlantic City - New Jersey third in student performance, non-profit group says...A national report card on education in America has ranked New Jersey third in the country for student performance and awarded it a B-minus for state education policy. 1-24-12 More on Christie's Supreme Court Nominees
NJ Spotlight -Christie Sets Path with Picks for NJ Supreme Court...Nominations of two new justices is historic day for the state's highest court..."...Now, Gov. Chris Christie is taking advantage of his once-a-generation opportunity, yesterday nominating two more justices to the seven-member court -- making it three so far this term -- with potentially a fourth to come in 2013..." More... 1-24-12 Education Issues in the News
Newjerseynewsroom.com - Bill to create N.J. teacher loan forgiveness program clears Senate committee
NJ Spotlight - NJ Loses Superintendent of Year to NY…Cap on pay has superintendents considering their options -- and sometimes moving on..."A month after being honored on the floor of the state Senate, New Jersey’s school superintendent of the year is headed to New York, another consequence of the Christie administration’s cap on school administration salaries...He’s not the only superintendent to depart. Montesano’s brother Jim also left New Jersey schools, where he was last the superintendent in Paramus, to become superintendent in Nyack, N.Y. And New Jersey superintendents are retiring or leaving the state at nearly double the rate since the caps were put in place at the start of last year. “I’m sure there will be more of us,” Montesano said..." 1-24-12 Supreme Court Justices Nominated by Governor Christie
Press of Atlantic City-Associated Press - Christie nominates gay black man, Asian to New Jersey Supreme Court seats Asbury Park Press - Gay rights takes on new urgency
The Record - Stile: Christie stakes out a spot in the center 1-23-12 Gov. Christie nominates two for state Supreme Court
Star Ledger - Gov. Christie nominates two for state Supreme Court, including gay African-American mayor...TRENTON — Gov. Chris Christie today nominated an openly gay African-American Republican mayor and a Korean-American assistant attorney general to the state’s highest court... More... 1-23-12 Trenton Briefs today January 23, 2012
Christie wants Senate to move on Cerf hearing...Defibrillator law clears committee...Teacher loan redemption bill clears committee...Student survey-permission bill OK'd along party lines...(State Street Wire headlines on action in Senate Education Committee, plus push for Cerf nomination to be cleared) 1-23-12 Education Issues in the News
Star Ledger - N.J. school boards use law to change election dates "We count 17 so far," he [Frank Belluscio, NJ School Boards Assoc.]said. "There is far greater interest in the election change than anticipated, and we expect additional boards to take action (this) week." Press of Atlantic City - New Jersey school boards, towns await guidelines on moving elections to fall “…school officials are also waiting for guidance but are being advised to pass a resolution in January so they can be ready when the state guidelines are posted…”
NJ Spotlight.com - Garden State Autism Researchers Get Boost to Advance Work…New Jersey earmarks $8 million to coordinate and expand clinical studies under central site 1-20-12 Department of Education approves 8 new charter schools
Announced later today by Department of Education: 'Christie Administration Continues to Expand School Options for Students'...Across the State with the Approval of 8 New Charter Schools Charter School for Global Leadership/Camden 9-12... City Invincible Charter School/Camden K-8... COMPASS Academy Charter School/Millville,Pittsgrove,Vineland K-5...Hope Community Charter School/Camden K-4...Jersey City Global Charter School K-6...Newark Prep Charter School 6-12...Paulo Freire Charter School 9-12...Trenton Prep Charter School 6-12
Star Ledger - Department of Education approves 8 new charter schools, 2 in Newark (Published: Friday, January 20, 2012, 7:27 PM)..."Noticeably absent from today’s list were proposed charter schools in high performing suburban districts like Highland Park, South Orange-Maplewood and Montclair..." 1-20-12 The Record article updates information on new School Elections Vote law
The Record - Changes in school board elections being sorted out … An Education Department spokesman, Richard Vespucci, said members of four state agencies, including the Attorney General's Office, are scheduled to meet today to hammer out guidelines for implementing the law... More... 1-20-12 Education Issues in the News
NJ Spotlight - Christie Takes His School Reform Message to Irvington Church…Feisty great-aunt takes exception to governor's approach to teacher evaluation Star Ledger - At Irvington town hall, Gov. Christie addresses crime, education reform
Politickernj.com - Education Dept. rejects ELC repair complaints; Diegnan plans hearings 1-19-12 Education Issues in the News
Star Ledger - Gov. Christie: I can cut N.J. income taxes while boosting state education aid… “…Republican governor told a town hall audience in Vorhees he would phase-in the [10% income tax] cut over three years at a cost of $300 million per year…"I would tell you we’ll be able to do that not only without cutting aid to education but with increasing aid to education." … The promise is a direct reaction to Democrats in control the Legislature who pounced on Christie’s income tax plan …” Politickernj.com - Christie pledges more aid to school districts 'shut out' of process… Gov. Chris Christie said on Wednesday the state will provide more school aid to districts that have largely been shut out since much of the aid was given to the state’s neediest schools…”
Politickernj.com - Christie says charter schools should be targeted toward failing districts
Philadelphia Inquirer - At Voorhees town hall, Christie fields charter school complaints
Star Ledger - N.J. education boss Christopher Cerf moves out of Essex County… Acting state Education Commissioner Chris Cerf has moved out of Essex County, where a Democratic state senator has been blocking his confirmation for more than a year, to a heavily Republican legislative district. 1-18-12 GSCS ‘Take’ on the School Elections Law
GSCS ‘Take’ on the School Elections Law (A4394/S3148): “The new law allows school districts to move their April elections to the November general election, either by asking voters for their OK — or by a resolution of the local school board or governing body. In districts that move elections to November, boards will also no longer have to seek voter approval for budgets that fall within the state's 2 percent tax levy increase cap.” (Star Ledger, 1-18-12) GSCS: This law is “effective immediately” upon the Governor’s signing (1-17-12).The timeline to implement this option is will be short. This is a complicated issue that needs open public discussion, especially since it provides that districts that opt for the November election will not have a public vote for school budgets that do not exceed the 2% cap (as legislated by prior law). It's reasonable that each community will need to understand and be given enough time to absorb the details and implications of the changes in this new law. With all that has been going on in New Jersey, it is our sense that the public has not been tuned into A4394, and thus care – within reason, given the abbreviated timelines - should be taken to appropriately inform community. See GSCS website listings below for additional information on this new law. 1-18-12 Education & Related Issues in the news
The Record, Star Ledger - Gov. Christie signs bill changing school board elections, budget votes…”…The new law allows school districts to move their April elections to the November general election, either by asking voters for their OK — or by a resolution of the local school board or governing body.In districts that move elections to November, boards will also no longer have to seek voter approval for budgets that fall within the state's 2 percent tax levy increase cap. NJ Spotlight - Fine Print: New Law for November School Elections…While optional, calendar shift is significant change to the way NJ has voted on school taxes
NJ Spotlight - For Christie, 2012 Is the Year to Act on Education Reform – Again…Teacher tenure gaining traction among lawmakers as debates on education continue to swirl …”…"Over the course of the last year, since outlining my proposals from this podium, I have worked with this legislature – on a bipartisan basis – to put in front of you a package of bills that will address the biggest challenges facing public education in New Jersey," he said yesterday."We have had a year to debate, discuss and deliberate. Now, in 2012, it is time to act…"What we've been doing isn't working for children in failing districts, it is unfair to the other 557 school districts and to our state's taxpayers, who spend more per pupil than almost any state in America," he said. "Basic human decency and simple common sense say it is time for a different and better approach”…" Hearing the backlash, Christie yesterday didn't say suburbs should be spared entirely, but he repeated previous comments by pledging "to focus on our failing school districts ... We must give parents and children in failing schools an alternative…" Governor Christie's STATE OF STATE REMARKS delivered Tuesday afternoon, January 17, 2012
Click on More here for the PDF of the Governor's full State of the State message. See pages 7, 8 and 9 of the attached remarks for the Governor's specific comments on his education reform agenda for 2012. More... 1-17-12 New '215th Legislative Session' begins today - Education & Related Issues
Wall Street Journal - Christie Pledges School Aid Battle…New Jersey Governor Seeks to Remake Supreme Court in Effort to Change Education Funding for Poor and Urban Districts Asbury Park Press - Christie still considering school election changes...Has until Tuesday [Jan. 17, 2012] to sign measure
NJ Spotlight - New Session, Charter School Law Still Broken?...As Christie administration decides on new charters, debate continues about how to fix 15-year-old law
Politickernj.com - Bramnick new Minority Leader 1-15 & 16-12 Education Issues in the News
Star Ledger - PolitiFact N.J.: Education advocate crosses the line in criticism of school construction program...Politifact.com – The Truth-O-Meter Says False
Star Ledger Column: Moran - Demand for top N.J. charter schools exceeds available seats 1-13-12 Committee assignments for new 215th Legislative Session signal change and some emerging controversy
Courierpostonline.com - 'Rewards,retributions at State House as committees assigned' More... 1-13-12 Alternative Press-Legislature Votes for Changes to School Board Election Dates and Budget Votes
(Read article for some specific information of this law.) "...Two years ago,New Jersey voters rejected 260 of 479 school budgets, even ones that includedsignificant cuts and were within the state cap. Accordingto Lynne Strickland, Executive Director of the Garden State Coalition ForSchools, which represents suburban schools, most of her districts support this bill. “School boards appreciate the fact that there’s an option,” she said.
Dr. JamesCrisfield, Superintendent of Millburn Township Schools, is one administratorwho sees the value of eliminating budget votes...Strickland has concerns about the options to initiate a change to November as detailed inthe legislation. The fact that a municipality can, on its own, make a resolution without support of the Board of Education, and vice versa, sets aprecedent. Strickland said she believes this raises a “governance concern.”
She also mentioned that some people worry that school elections could turn partisan whenheld in November alongside major state and national contests..." 1-12 to13-12 Urban Hope bill, which targets Camden, Newark, Trenton, signed into law by the Governor
Newjerseynewsroom.com - Christie signs Urban Hope Act allowingnonprofit-run schools in Camden, Newark and Trenton
NJSpotlight - Camden Sees Hope in Promise of New Schools Built by Nonprofits…Christie signs UrbanHope Act in struggling city to spotlight his reform for failing schools A4394 - November School Elections final bill, as voted on January 9, 2012
Click on More here to see final legislation. Note that this bill, when signed into law by the Governor, becomes "effective immediately", per language on p.39 in the bill. (Material in brackets indicate those bracketed words were deleted/see below.)
2[46.] 47.2 This act shall take effect 228 [on January 1 next following enactment] immediately229 . 1-13-12 Legislature Votes for Changes to School Board Election Dates and Budget Vote
More... 1-12-12 Education Week's Qualiity Counts 2012 Report published
EDUCATION WEEK - "Quality Counts 2012, takes a critical look at the nation's place among the world's public education systems. VeteranEducation Week journalists put to the test popular assumptions about the country's competitive status in education..." More... 1-12-12 Education Issues in the News
NJ Spotlight - School Districts Oppose Anti-Bullying Law as an Unfunded Mandate…Rutgers' coalition of concerned students joins with state to oppose challenge
courierpostonline.com - Christie to sign bill in Camden to privatize some schools Senate Posts Committee Assignments for 215th Legislative Session
Politickernj.com - Senate committee assignments for 2012: Weinberg, Pou join budget panel …(Senator James Beach (D-6, Voorhees) will also be joining the Education Committee, taking the place of state Sen. Jim Whelan, (D-2), Atlantic City, whose vice presidency will be assumed by state Sen. Shirley Turner, (D-15), Lawrenceville. More... 1-11-12 Education & Related Issues in the News
NJ Spotlight - Driving the Teacher Quality Component for Education Reform…Assistant State Commissioner Peter Shulman brings experience and expertise to his latest post Asbury Park Press - Despite setback, Long Beach Island district still plans school closure, consolidation Bloomberg - Segregated Charter Schools Evoke Separate But Equal Era in U.S.
Bloomberg - Segregated Charter Schools Evoke Separate But Equal Era in U.S. Daily Record - Alex DeCroce, Assembly Minority Leader, dies at Statehouse
Daily Record - Alex DeCroce, Assembly Minority Leader, dies at Statehouse Star Ledger - N.J. Assemblyman Alex DeCroce collapses, dies in Statehouse after long legislative session...N.J. Assemblyman's death prompts Gov. Christie to postpone his State of the State address
GSCS greatly regrets the passing of Assembly Minority Leader Alex DeCroce who cared so strongly for the well-being of the people of New Jersey and who tirelessly devoted so many years of his life to public service. 1-10-12 In the News - Reflections and Reporting on Education Reform Issues in the Last Legislative Session and the Forthcoming Legislative Session
MyCentralJersey.com - NJ education reform: School budget election changes, private urban charter schools OK'd…Private urban charter schools OK'd
NJ Spotlight - The State of the Governor's Education Agenda…Christie was not short on ambition when it came to education, but how did he fare on his own promises? 1-9-12 and 1-10-12 Lame Duck Session Closes
Star Ledger - Bills fly through Senate, Assembly as jam-packed day in Trenton unfolds "…The Legislature handed Christie a small but welcome victory on education reform, passing a bill that gives private companies unprecedented authority to build and manage up to a dozen public schools in Newark, Camden and Trenton..." Philadelphia Inquirer - Last-minute N.J. measures: Pets to school budgets
Star Ledger - N.J. Senate passes bill banning political fundraising on all public property
The Record - Bills cleared on final day include sports betting, school election measures 1-9-12 Lame Duck Voting Update: The Senate (Monday before 6 PM )
Politickernj.com - Senate passes bill moving school elections to November...TRENTON - Senate Bill 3148, which would move School Board elections from April to the date of the November general election, easily passed on third reading today in the senate by a vote of 34-3
Star Ledger - N.J. Senate approves Christie-backed bill to allow private companies to manage schools in poor cities 1-9-12 November School Elections Bill - Information as of this morning
A4394/S3148 "Establishes procedures for districts, municipalities, or voters to OPT to move the annual school election to November and eliminates vote on school budgets for such districts, except for separate proposals to spend above cap" The Bill states it is “Effective Immediately” upon passage…
School Budget Approval Processes - to remain the same...If this bill passes in both houses today, it will go directly to the Governor's desk for signature to become law. We are told it is highly probable that the Governor will sign...click here on More for bill 'Statement' which describes parameters of this legislation... 1-9-12 Lame Duck Voting Session today includes Moving School Elections to November bill and Urban Hope Act, among others
LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR FOR JANUARY 9 – MARCH 15, 2012 LAME DUCK LEGISLATIVE VOTING SESSION CONCLUDES JANUARY 9
JANUARY 10 - NEW LEGISLATURE REORGANIZATION;GOVERNOR’S STATE OF THE STATE MESSAGE FEBRUARY 21 - GOVERNOR'S BUDGET MESSAGE
Click here on More for full lame duck voting schedule and bills 1-9-12 Urban Hope Act on Lame Duck agenda today
Star Ledger column -Braun: NJEA support for private management of public schools displays weakness, cynicism
NJ Spotlight - George Norcross Discusses Urban Hope Act, Other Education Reforms…South Jersey powerbroker talks to NJ Spotlight about how Camden's first 'renaissance school' could be under construction in a year's time 1-8-12 Charter School Controversy, Suburban Push Back In the News
NY Times - Rejected 3 Times, School May Still Open Soon, and With a Grant, Too… “…Then on Oct. 6, one week after the state’s most recent rejection, the United States Education Department announced that it had approved a $600,000 grant to finance Ms. Akman’s proposed charter.It would have taken federal officials just a few phone calls to determine that there were many good reasons for the state to have rejected Ms. Akman’s applications. For one thing, they have been full of misrepresentations…”
NJ Spotlight Opinion- In the Suburbs, Charter Schools Raise Concerns About Local Control…Can a local school district block a charter from opening or refuse to fund it? 1-8-12 Governor Christie - Education Reform 2012 and Property Tax Reduction 2011
Philadelphia Inquirer - Christie: 2012 will be year of education reform
Star Ledger - Special Report: Did N.J. property tax reform help most taxpayers? ”New Jersey homeowners paid an average of 2.4 percent more for property taxes in 2011, the smallest increase in nearly two decades, showing Gov. Chris Christie’s push to restrain local levies might be working…” 1-6-12 Education in the News, plus Lame Duck Legislative Action on Education Issues
The Record-Northjersey.com- November school elections bill moves forward...(GSCS Note: This bill is set for final passage on in this Monday's Legislative Voting Session, however it cannot be law until the Governor signs the bill. Since the Republican lawmakers on the Assembly Budget Committee did not cast their votes in favor or the bill, the future status of this bill is still not written in stone.) Asbury ParkPress -Private-public schools bill advances
NJ Spotlight - After Last-Minute Changes, Lawmakers Poised to Vote on Urban Hope Act…Bill would allow for private building of public 'renaissance schools' in the state's poorest cities
NJ Spotlight - Christie Administration Divvies Up Its Race to the Top Winnings…Education budget demonstrates that $38 million can buy a lot of school reform 1-5-12 Education and Related Issues in the News
Press of Atlantic City Opinion - Urban Hope Act / What’s the rush? NJ Spotlight - Criminal Background Check Law Leaves Some School Board Members in Limbo…Missing the year-end deadline makes members 'ineligible' but not 'disqualified'
Star Ledger - N.J. lawmakers scramble to pass bills as legislative session comes to a close URBAN HOPE BILL poised for fast track in waning days of Lame Duck - to be heard tomorrow
"Urban Hope Act" S3173 (Senator Donald Norcross)/A4426(Assemblyman Angel Fuentes): provides a process to permit authorized entities to build, operate, and manage "renaissance school projects" as public schools in no more than three identified failing districts."
This bill - already controversial, opposed by the Education Law Center, yet signed off on by the NJEA - is scheduled to be heard tomorrow in both the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee and Assembly Budget Committee, and for the moment would be applicable only to Camden, Jersey City and Newark. Excerpt: STATEMENT for S3173 - The bill is entitled the “Urban Hope Act.” The bill authorizes the designation of three failing school districts as renaissance school districts…The bill provides that the costs of a renaissance school project, including the costs of land acquisition, site remediation, site development, design, construction, and any other costs required to place into service the school facility or facilities constituting the renaissance school projects, would be the sole expense of the nonprofit entity. However, the nonprofit entity may use State funds to pay for a lease, debt service, or mortgage for any facility constructed or otherwise acquired..." Education Issues in the News
Asbury Park Press/Gannett-Reforms may end teacher tenure in N.J...Asbury Park Press/Gannett-Reforms may end teacher tenure in N.J. (TUESDAY, JAN. 3 With New Jersey facing a crucial period in which its future will be decided, New Jersey Press Media newspapers have taken a hard look at a number of areas where the Garden State will be experiencing significant change. For this 10-part series, we interviewed experts, local difference-makers and entrepreneurs about what New Jersey will look like and what it could or should look like. Today’s topic: Education.) “…Strickland (GSCS Executive Director) said teachers and parents are still waiting to see what all the changes [reform agenda] will eventually mean. “The effort I s[primarily] pitched toward school districts that are having performance issues,” Strickland said. “Those schools that are performing well, parents and educators want them to be continue to do well, and they’re worried they’re going to be held back by a one-size fits all approach.”
AP Interview: Acting education commissioner Cerf frustrated with achievement gap, relationship with NJEA
NJ Spotlight - A New Year: Five To Watch in Education…A look at who will be shaping schools in 2012 RALLY TARGETS CHARTER SCHOOL APPLICATIONS in Suburbs
Montclair Patch "The rally will oppose the Quest charter school in Montclair and the Mandarin-immersion charter school that would draw students from South Orange, Maplewood and West Orange.(Friday, January 6 at 4:30 p.m., residents will be meeting at the Maplewood Community Center in DeHart Park to protest the applications.)
Look immediately below this clip for letter from district representatives Assemblywoman Mila Jasey and Assemblyman John McKeon on their position regarding charter schools in suburban districts/excerpt - "...We know the tremendous difficulties our school boards are facing. Now is not the time to divert funding from our public schools by creating boutique charter schools in districts that are not failing." Position letter on Charter Schools in Suburbs by Assemblywoman Mila Jasey and Assemblyman John McKeon
More... Politics and Related Education Issues - 2012
Star Ledger - Analysis: Gov. Christie's work after two years in office a mixed bag N.J. Democrats must not block Opportunity Scholarship Act January 01, 2012 - Star-Ledger Editorial Board
NJ Spotlight - 2011: The Year in Review in Politics…Pension and benefits reform, legislative power struggles, and the Big Guy himself -- Irene wasn't the only hurricane to hit New Jersey this year, by Michael Aron 12-21-11 Despite New Guidelines, Anti-Bullying Law Still a Matter for thte Attorneys
NJ Spotlight...Across the state, school attorneys are serving as the point for anti-bullying actions More... 12-19-11 Education Issues in the News
Press of Atlantic City - New Jersey will not get share of Race to the Top education funds NJ Spotlight - Fine Print: New Jersey's "Race to the Top” Scores…The state misses out again, this time on the federal Early Learning Challenge Star Ledger - 50 briefly occupy N.J. Department of Education lobby to protest charter schools NJ Spotlight - A Year after His Appointment, Why Is Commissioner Cerf Still 'Acting'?...Political grudges, impassioned rhetoric may be keeping Cerf from Senate confirmation
State pays $40,000 to newspaper for withholding public information...Judge rules for Asbury Park Press Department of Education Requests Names for 'Model Curriculum' Development Work Group.PDF
“… The plan for developing a quality “model” curriculum involves the engagement of state-wide experts as well as the national expertise available as a result of the adoption of CCSS by 46 states and the District of Columbia. In order to have the curriculum available for the 2012-2013 school year, we will need to begin work as soon as possible. Therefore, we are asking for your assistance in helping us to identify our best and brightest curriculum/assessment developers across the state to create teams for building this curriculum..." More... 12-16-11 Breaking News today - Race to the Top lost...Charter School Resisted by parents
The Record - NJ misses out on Race to the Top education grant, report says..."New Jersey is not among the nine states that will share $500 million in grant money in a high profile competition intended to jumpstart improvements in often-overlooked early childhood programs, The Associated Press has learned.The winners to be announced Friday at the White House are California, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island and Washington..."
Star Ledger - Highland Park resists opening of Hebrew-language charter school..."...as attempts are made to establish charter schools in the suburbs, a rising tide of opposition and resentment has begun to emerge. Charter schools are independently run but receive public funds, taking money away from traditional public schools...Even Gov. Chris Christie, an ardent supporter of charter schools, has said they are not needed in high-performing suburban districts...." 12-16-11 November School Elections bill approved by Senate Committee
Asbury Park Press - School elections bill advances in Assembly
“...The bill, which ends a century of practice and also permits the end of school budget votes, passed a state Senate committee despite the warnings from two state clerks... The bill...passed a state Senate committee despite the warnings from two state clerks... Melfi, and Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello, said it would be impossible to fit so much information on current ballots... State Sen. Robert M. Gordon, D-Bergen, said he could envision “a municipal council working to take over a school board, helping to sponsor candidates…and taking advantage of the heavy turnout.”He voted for the bill...Lynne Strickland, executive director of the Garden State Coalition of Schools, which represents suburban school districts, questioned a provision in the bill that would let municipal governments unilaterally decide to move school elections...” 12-16-11 Correction noted
The GSCS 12-16-11 EMAIL-NET incorrectly stated that the 'Novemeber Elections' bill A4394 was released by the Assembly Education Committee. The bill was voted on and passed out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee on December 8, 2011. We apologize for the error. GSCS Testimony S3148-A4394 November Election Bill
"There is a basic issue with the new approval process for moving school board elections in S3148/A4394 to November general elections, where the municipal body - all on its own - can approve a November election for a school board, regardless of the board of education or public sentiment via petition.
GSCS believes this imposition of a municipal governing body over a school board and/or public vote is a first. The loss of checks and balance, as well as a new precedence where one governing body can overrule another requires a detailed analysis..." (This testimony was offered before the Senate State Governmnet, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee on December 15, 2011.) 12-15-11 Education News - November Election bill, School Construction in Suburbs
Courier Post Online – School Elections Bill on the Table "A bill that would reverse more than a century of practice for school districts and voters will be considered today in a state Senate committee..."
NJ Spotlight - Suburban School Construction Hits Lowest Point in Past Decade…In the suburbs, a handful of renovation projects represent the only activity 12-14-11 Charter conflict issues delineated...College & Career Readiness hearing
southorangepatch.com - OP-ED: Osborne's Letter to Education Commish on Charter Application…The Superintendent of Schools for South Orange-Maplewood, on behalf of the Board of Education, argues against granting approval for a Mandarin language immersion school for our district and West Orange
NJ Spotlight - New Task Force Tackles Familiar Topic: College and Career Readiness…Report due to governor by year end, with many opinions and options still to consider 12-13-11 Education Issues in the News
NJ Spotlight - Newark's First Foray into Teacher Evaluation Pilot, with Teachers Front and Center…In first stage, superintendent begins to discuss details, build bridges to staff and community Star Ledger - N.J. Assembly panel clears bill requiring school officials to notify parents of absentee children
NJ Spotlight - Administration Reveals Which Charters Have Made the First Cut…More than half the applications weeded out, at least for now 12-12-11 Education Issues - and controversies - in the News
NJ Spotlight - SDA Building Blocks Standardize Design and Construction…Efficiency is the watchword, but critics say "kit of parts" approach can miss unique needs Star Ledger column - Braun: New kind of N.J. school privatization on the rise
Star Ledger - Politifact.com - The Truth-O-Meter Says… Chris Christie says New Jersey teachers only work 180 days a year, average $60K salaries…
NY Times - Growing Push in Newark to Retake School Reins 12-9-11 Education November Election bill moves in Committee
Asbury Park Press - School elections face historic move
NJ Spotlight - Bill Would Shift School Elections to November…Legislation would also eliminate budget votes for towns below 2 percent cap 12-8-11 Education in the News
Wall Street Journal - School Vote Changes Weighed NJ Spotlight - Pilot Teacher Evaluation System Slow to Gain Traction in Newark…Superintendent Anderson "disappointed" in teachers union, moving ahead in half-dozen schools
NJ Spotlight - Fine Print: Sen. Buono's Teacher Quality Bill…Rather than relying heavily on test scores, this bill focuses on peer evaluations and student portfolios 12-7-11 Assembly Appropriations to hear A4394 'November School Elections' bill tomorrow, 12-8-11
GSCS: "There is a basic issue with the approval process in this bill for moving school board elections to November general elections, where the municipal body - all on its own - can approve a November election for a school board , regardless of the board or public sentiment. GSCS believes this is imposition of municipal governing body's will over school board and/or public vote is a first; the loss of check and balance is very worriesome. GSCS feels this major kind of change is radical, sets precednece and needs in depth conversation. We hope the legislature does not rush this well-intended bill through the lame duck session." More... 12-5-11 Education & Related Issues in the News
New Jersey Newsroom - Report: N.J. Dept. of Education can consult data better to improve teaching
NJ Spotlight - From Brawls to Charter Challenges, They All Cross the Commissioner's Desk…Cerf is the last administrative word on legal challenges filed with state education department
Asbury Park Press-NJ Press Media- N.J. bond debt rises 3.1 percent
Politickernj.com-State Street Wire - Buono bill for teacher evaluations disregards standardized tests
Star Ledger column-¬Moran - Perth Amboy superintendent takes on fight over teacher tenure 12-2-11 Lame Duck 'Stuck', Tenure, Teacher Evaluations , Charters & Opportunity Scholarship Act - In the News but not on Trenton's agenda [yet]
NJ Spotlight - Education Reform Limps Along in Lame Duck…Closed-door meetings may lead to some movement, but odds are against it NJ Spotlight - Head of New Jersey Charter School Office Steps Down…After less than a year on the job, Carly Bolger leaves for position in Chicago
Politicker.nj - Success in a hardscrabble city, one student at a time
Star Ledger - 2,500 attend Trenton rally supporting school voucher program for N.J. students in failing districts 12-1-11 'Two Decades On, Opportunity Scholarship Act Remains Moving Target'
NJ Spotlight - Two Decades On, Opportunity Scholarship Act Remains Moving Target…Advocates and opponents struggle to shape final bill and get it in front of entire legislature... More... 11-30-11 Education Issues in the News
Daily Record -NJ lame-duck Legislature considers eliminating school budget elections,requiring county purchasing programs
NJ Spotlight - Fine Print: Anti-Bullying Incident Report Form…The war against school bullying gets a new ally -- a paper one
NJ Spotlight - Charter Schools Sue State, Claiming They've Been Shortchanged…Latest development only adds to the tensions between charters and the districts that host them 11-28-11 In the News - Model Curriculum for low-performing schools, and Dueling Rallies
NJspotlight - 'Christie Adminisration Considering Model Curriculum' for Low-Performing Schools'...Beyond standards and frameworks, this is the first time the state has moved to devise an actual curriculum...
Associated Press/nj.com - Dueling N.J. rallies planned on taxpayer-funded scholarships for private schools 11-23-11 Courier Post-Washington Bureau - Spending cuts will harm N.J.
"New Jersey faces years of lower federal payments under automatic spending cuts that will begin in 2013 unless Congress comes up with an alternative plan..." More... 11-22-11 Charter School Issues in the News
Njspotlight.com - Suburban Schools vs. Charter: First Round Goes to the Suburbs…Princeton charter says it will next appeal decision to acting commissioner “…The issue is not charter vs. public schools, but the rights of a board to make decisions to protect its students, retain its funds, and seek the advice of an attorney," said Judith Wilson, superintendent of the Princeton Regional Schools District…Certainly if districts feel they may be harmed, they may find themselves in a better position to challenge," said Lynne Strickland, director of the Garden State Coalition of Schools, whose members include most of the districts involved in the challenges.
The Record - Teaneck virtual charter school will delay opening if funding law stays same … "I believe in the expansion of excellent charter schools, of all different kinds of models that can enhance the educational options that children have, most particularly in failing districts and I believe that should be the emphasis that the Department of Education places on these things as we move forward," Christie said. "I don't necessarily see a crying-out need in successful districts to have more choice, because typically parents don't want to have more choice." 11-21-11 Education Issues in the News
Gannet - State lawmakers go back to work Politickerknj.com - Judge sides with three school districts in opposition to Princeton area charter school
The Record - Unity, division on school reform
Courier Post - Group takes on N.J. education policy
NJ Spotlight - OSA Continues to Be a Lightning Rod for Controversy…New advocate of school voucher bill -- with Walton Family financing -- joins the fray
Today's Legislative Calendar is attached following the news articles. To see all, Click here on 11-18-11 Education and Related Issues in the News
NJ Spotlight - Cerf Issues Reprieve from Statewide Teacher Evaluation Systems…Acting education commissioner pushes back implementation deadlines by at least a year NY Times - States Strengthening Teacher Evaluation Standards “…To ease growing pains, some states like New Jersey, which asked the Obama administration this week for a waiver from No Child Left Behind, have opted to try evaluation systems in only a limited number of school districts before going statewide. Among the 11 states that asked for waivers this week, much of what was included on teacher and principal evaluations was preliminary but already in the works…”
NJ Spotlight - Does Administration's New Accountability System Overstep Legal Bounds?...Christie and Cerf say they can close schools and withhold funds, some legal experts are not so sure
Politickernj.com - Public worker unions say they are still a force “… So is the long-feared and much touted power of the NJEA and its sister and brother public worker unions overrated? Is the political strength of hundreds of thousands of unionized teachers, cops, firefighters and local and state government workers exhausted to the point of toothless tiger status?...” 11-17-11 Education & Related Issues in the News
Star Ledger - Christie, Cerf appear in Secaucus to push for education reform bills NJ Spotlight - Christie's School Accountability Plan To Focus on Urban and Suburban Districts…New rules will target both achievement and achievement gaps
Star Ledger - N.J. Legislature scrambles to pass bills during final six weeks of 2011 session
NJ Spotlight - OPRA Request Reveals Charter Advocates’ Role in Application Process…Sen. Gill: Community representatives and traditional school educators conspicuously absent..."Sen. Nia Gill (D-Essex) filed the request under the Open Public Records Act (OPRA), and her office yesterday shared the state's response of more than a dozen pages of names and emails...Gill said yesterday the lists in both years was notably absent of traditional public school educators and community representatives..." 11-16-11 Governor Chris Christie Announced Today his Education Reform Agenda via the State's NCLB Waiver Application
Excerpt from Governor's Announcement: "...The agenda, including the development of a new accountability system and a package of specific education reform legislation previously introduced and awaiting action by the state legislature, will identify and seek to turn around New Jersey’s consistently lowest-performing schools, recognize and reward improvement in all New Jersey schools, and provide the necessary tools to meet these goals..." Star Ledger - Gov. Christie to push legislature to move ahead on four school reform bills "Gov. Chris Christie is expected to pressure the legislature today to take action on four school reform bills backed by his administration that have been stalled in the legislature...First introduced by Christie as proposals last fall, the four bills together are comprehensive and tackle...the way teachers get and keep tenure, expanding access to charter schools, offering vouchers for students in failing public schools to attend private and parochial schools, and privatizing some failing schools in the state’s five lowest performing districts.
Click here on More to see full article, as well as Governor's Press Release that itemizes the four bills he wants to see passed to support his reform agenda. 11-16-11 Tenure, Charters, Vouchers - Lame Duck Session's Big Three
NJ Spotlight...The election's over, the legislature's back in session, and education reform is at the top of the docket... More... 11-14-11 GSCS Executive Director on NY State 'Tax Cap' Panel tonight
The panel will be at the Joint Dinner, which is at the DoubleTree Tarrytown November 14th from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm. The program is co-sponsored by the Superintendent and School Boards Associations for Rockland, Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess Counties, and we anticipate over 200 superintendents and board members. This year’s topic is: Budgeting in the New Normal: A Tale of Two States- Tax Caps Lessons from Massachusetts and New Jersey More... 11-14-11 More Education News - Virtual Charters, School Reprt Cards, Ravitch Comments
The Record - State says not all costs on Teaneck "…They are not required to put aside $15 million," Barra said. "And second of all, since they are not required to put it aside, of course, they can make adjustments as they go along when they find out how many students are applying, etc." GSCS notes: The timing of when districts are notified of “how many students are applying…” is critical to whether a local district will have enough time to actually adjust their budgets so that funding may be used for students in the local traditional district in the forthcoming budget year. The district would have to know that in the fall prior to the next budget year in order to plan appropriately for the coming school year. Clearly, right now this time lapse issue alone is already a big problem for Teaneck. NJ Spotlight - State Readies New School Report Cards…Details are few, but new system favors rankings and like-to-like comparisons
Star Ledger - Q&A with Diane Ravitch on N.J. school reform 11-14-11 Education in the News - Commissioner Cerf presents at NJEA Convention
Press of Atlantic City - Acting state education commissioner addresses teachers at NJEA convention “…Cerf said he is willing to work with the union on teacher evaluations, even postponing implementation for an extra year if necessary. But, he said, there will always be areas where the state and union do not agree. "I represent the interests of the children of New Jersey," Cerf said. "In many areas, the interests of the union and children are aligned. But there are areas where they do not overlap, such as seniority. You may think (seniority) is fair, but you can't argue it's in the best interest of children."
Philadelphia Inquirer - Wide gap still separates Christie, teachers union
NJ Press Media - Cerf takes moderate tone with teachers 11-11-11 In the News- Costly: Virtual Charter Schools, NJEA on Education Reform, Trenton Leadership Analysis
Star Ledger -NJEA unveils school reform plan at annual Atlantic City convention NJ Spotlight - At $15 Million, Virtual Charter Causes a Real Case of Sticker Shock…Teaneck's oversize bill for a proposed charter points out problems and loopholes in current law
The Record - Teaneck school officials urge public to join fight against charter school
NJ Spotlight - Democrats Vow to Fight, But Who’s the Boss?...Sweeney and Oliver discount influence of Norcross and DiVincenzo as power brokers 11-10-11 Education and Related Issues in the News
njspotlight.com - Education Department Working Flat Out to Finish Federal Waiver…Critics contend too little time taken to gather public input on No Child Left Behind waiver application The Record - State rejects teacher contract "...The acting state education commissioner has ruled that the 2010-11 year of the Ramsey teachers' contract broke state law in a decision underscoring that school boards cannot make salary deals that last longer than three years..."
Philadelphia Inquirer - Leadership changes likely for New Jersey Assembly Democrats 11-9-11 In the News - Nov 8th State & Local Elections
2011PostElectionAnalysisPrincetonPublicAffairsGroup The Record - Christie’s pull fails to change balance in State House
Star Ledger - Gov. Christie's efforts to boost GOP's chances in legislative elections fall short 11-9-11 Tenure Reform: More Than Just a Matter of Time
Njspotlight.com - Tenure Reform: More Than Just a Matter of Time…For some experts there's no point in adding years with adding mentors as well "...It [tenure] will be a key debate here, as the legislature begins this month to weigh various tenure reform proposals..." More... 11-8-11 NJEA Releases its Education Reform Proposals Prior to its Convention this Week in Atlantic City
Press of Atlantic City - Reform plan tops agenda as teachers prepare for convention in Atlantic City Asbury Park Press - NJEA offers its ideas for school reform: Would streamline firing steps; expand preschool, kindergarten
Asbury Park Press - NJEA offers its ideas for school reform: Would streamline firing steps; expand preschool, kindergarten
Associated Press - Philadelphia Inquirer - NJ's main teachers union presenting its own ideas... AP - Education reform ideas: Christie v. NJEA 11-7-11 What's Waiting for the Winners in Trenton - Education Reform
NJ Spotlight - ...'Debates on the big issues -- like charters and tenure -- are just going to get started in the lame duck session...' More... RealTimeSurveyPoll - Results from audience survey at GSCS-NJSDC Fall Educ Forum Nov2 at Rutgers
Our thanks to NJ Schools Development Council and Rutgers University for hosting the Fall Education Forum. Speaker David Hespe, Chief of Staff/DOE and panelists Miker Vrancik/NJSBA, Tom Dunn/NJASA, Ginger Gold/NJEA, and Lynne Strickland/GSCS...Click on More here to see results of audience poll(e.g, 100% of the audience responded no to this question: Did NCLB set the appropriate goal that required 'all students to be profecient by 2014'). More... 11-7-11 Northjersey.com- The Record - More districts bringing special ed in house
North Jersey school districts are increasingly confronting soaring special-education costs by starting in-house classes that are cheaper alternatives to pricey out-of-district programs. More... 11-4-11 Education In the News - NCLB Waiver filed by Dept of Educ...DOE Special Education Study released
News from Department of Education - Report released by DOE: Analysis of New Jersey’s Census-Based Special Education Funding System
DOE website: Department of Education solicits comment on draft ESEA waiver outline.Christie Administration Seeks Public Input on NCLB Waiver Centered on Increasing Flexibility and Strengthening Accountability
NJ Spotlight - Fine Print: NCLB Waiver Application -- Draft Outline…A closer look at the Christie administration's waiver for the federal No Child Left Behind Act
Star Ledger - New Jersey looks to waive requirements of 'No Child Left Behind,' proposes new school accountability system...Click on More here to get to links to DOE report and Waiver Application, as well as related news articles 11-3-11 In the News - Pluses and Minuses in Anti-Bullying Law
NJ Spotlight - 'New Jersey's Anti-Bullying Law: Benefit and Burden…Some school districts are voicing concerns about law's intractable timelines' (GSCS Note: GSCS is hearing from its members about the difficulty and confusion, as well as time issues, in implementing this well-intended law...This article notes some of these conflicting problems.) More... 11-3-11 Education reform on agenda...at GSCS Fall Education Forum Nov 2
Asbury Park Press - Education reform on agenda...Teacher tenure, school vouchers likely to be acted on this fall... “The lobbyists and association leaders, along with a state official, did not offer specific details during a meeting of the Garden State Coalition of Schools at Rutgers University, but instead presented a broad outline of measures being debated behind closed doors...” More... November 2, 9-Noon, GSCS & NJ Schools Development Council's 2nd Annual Fall Education Forum at Rutgers' Douglass Campus Center
DIRECTIONS TO FALL EDUCATION FORUM ATTACHED More... 11-1-11 After 3 Program continues, DOE release on NJ improvement in NAEP scores
Star Ledger - Last-minute partnership saves New Jersey After 3 program from shutdown NJ Spotlight - Lights to Stay on at Statewide Afterschool Fund…NJ After 3's surprise reprieve by governor on eve of elections has some Democrats questioning timing
New Jersey education system continues to improve overall national ranking on 2011 NAEP exam 10-31-11 Educatio In the News - Merit Pay, State Residency Law
The Record - Merit pay for schools may make the grade in NJ… New Jersey Senate President Stephen Sweeney says he could support merit pay in classroom so long as schools, not individual teachers, are rewarded.
NJ Spotlight - New Jersey’s Residence-Only Law Worries Some Schools...NJ First Act aims to save jobs for residents but could backfire on teachers 10-28-11 Cerf Assembles Expert Team to Review School Funding
Njspotlight.com - Cerf Assembles Expert Team to Review School Funding…Acting commissioner's dream team includes academics, researchers, and consultants Njspotlight.com - …Acting commissioner's dream team includes academics, researchers, and consultants "Gov. Chris Christie has long said he doesn’t much like how – and how much -- New Jersey funds its public schools, especially its urban districts, and more recently he has said changes would be coming with his next state budget plan in early 2012..." More... 10-27-11 Education Issues in the News
Press of Atlantic City - NJEA backs four-year tenure track, if mentoring is added for new teachers
Njspotlight.com - Education Department to Set Up Seven 'Regional Achievement Centers'…Satellite offices will concentrate on bottom 5 percent of public schools…”…“One of the great regrets I have is we don’t differentiate between school districts,” he said during his talk. “There are districts where the best thing we could do is leave them alone.” That comment drew the longest applause of his hour-long speech. 10-26-11 Dept of Education announces College and Career Readiness Task Force
The Task Force)... will have two main responsibilities: clearly articulating the knowledge and skills that students should master to be "college and career ready," and ensuring that New Jersey has the appropriate graduation requirements and high school assessments in place to evaluate the mastery of these readiness standards. The task force will submit its recommendations to the Department of Education by December 31, 2011.
Click here on More for who's on the Task Force as well as details of the Task Force charge. 10-25-11 Education & Reated Issues in the News
Press of Atlantic City - School officials concerned about how to implement new anti-bullying law NJ Spotlight - Afterschool Fund Falls Victim to Line-Item Veto, Battered Economy…New Jersey After 3, which once funded programs for thousands of kids, to go dark.
Philadelphia Inquirer - Lawmaker: School aid formula works if its funded
New Jersey Newsroom - Over 3K desks available for 2012-13 N.J. public school choice program
The Record - Education chief says no to higher ticket prices 10-24-11 Education Issues in the News
Star Ledger editorial - NJEA, Democrats wrongly balk at new push for schools reform … and…Star Ledger column - Hedge fund manager readies for battle with NJEA to reform NJ schools The Record - Proposed charter school expects to run surplus…and… The Record – Virtual charter school plan prompts review of laws
Njspotlight.com - New Jersey Schools' Open Door Policy…With the state's Interdistrict School Choice program, Garden State students can become traveling scholars 10-21-11 DOE Chief of Staff, Race to Top Kindergarten tests likely, Bullying program issues
Njspotlight.com - For David Hespe, Return to Trenton Brings New and Old Challenges…As former commissioner, Cerf's new chief of staff knows firsthand the value of patience and perseverance… "Dave is balanced, deliberative, and straightforwardly honest," said Lynne Strickland, head of the Garden State Coalition of Schools who has worked with Hespe off and on for more than a decade."He's an all-around good guy who has the tools to be very effective, while being well-liked by those who work for him," she said. "And that's important at the DOE these days."... Wall Street Journal - States ready tests for kindergarten…New York and New Jersey are preparing to administer mandatory school-readiness tests to children as young as 4 years old in an effort to win millions of dollars from the federal government.
New Jersey Newsroom -N.J. schools’ anti-bullying laws could be costly in long run 10-20-11 Race to the Top & Charters in the News
NJ Spotlight - New Jersey Applies for $60 Million Race to the Top Grant...Funding would go in part to a statewide system for evaluating early childhood education centers New Jersey Newsroom - Jasey wants close scrutiny of N.J. charter schools
Star Ledger - N.J. considering 42 new charter schools 10-19-11 More Education News
Department of Education submits its latest Race to the Top application today
Njspotlight.com - Latest Round of Charter Applications Filed with Education Department…In a field 42 charter applicants, some have been considered -- and rejected -- before 10-19-11 (Lots of) Education Issues in the News
Njspotlight.com - Unfunded Mandates on Schools Under Debate…Little-known state council rules on school busing, anti-bullying next Philadelphia Inquirer Editorial: Successful districts make a point on charters…Charters should be an option. But they shouldn't be allowed to crop up where they aren't needed and will take state funds from good schools. The state also needs to provide better oversight of charters, monitoring their academic performance, management, and financial practices.
Philadelphia Inquirer - N.J. announces applications for 42 more charter schools
The Record - Ahearn: For N.J. schools, new bullying rules test patience
New Jersey Newsroom - NJASA: Fast-track implementation of pilot program does not allow time for adjustments 10-18-11 Education & Related Issues in the News
My Centraljersey.com – Poll…Unhappy with Legislature, many don’t know election coming Asbury Park Press - Officials: Schools were left behind They highlight money problems to state education chief
Njspotlight.com - Newark Charter and District Schools Share Space and Visions -- But Not Technology...Collaboration and cooperation are the order of the day, but some inequalities remain
Njspotlight.com - School Vouchers: Out of the Spotlight, Not Out of Mind...A slimmed-down bill -- and pilot program -- may resurface in Assembly during the lame duck session 10-17-11 'Cerf Names Penny MacCormack as Chief Academic Officer'
NJ Spotlight - New assistant commissioner served as assistant superintendent of Hartford secondary schools More... 10-16-11 Education in the News
The Record-Northhersey.com -
Englewood schools and city officials work to share services
Urban schools offer dynamic learning experiences Dept of Education requests input re waiver for NCLB requirements
Excerpts from DOE's invitation for input: "...On September 23, the US Department of Education announced that the federal government would invite states to apply for flexibility from the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB). States would be granted flexibility in exchange for rigorous and comprehensive state-developed plans designed to improve educational outcomes for all students, close achievement gaps, increase equity, and improve the quality of instruction. Because such changes would have a major impact on our state’s educators and families, we are soliciting input from K-12 stakeholders and the broader public on what elements should be included in New Jersey’s application.
Submissions will be received from October 11 until October 21, 2011. We welcome feedback..." 10-14-11 In the News - Senate Education Committee Charter School hearing yesterday
Njspotlight.com - Charter Anxiety: A Suburban Malady?...As backlash grows in the suburbs, the reaction in the cities is more complicated Star Ledger - N.J. Senator wants to update state laws to make charter schools more accountable
New Jersey Newsroom - More N.J. charter school oversight pushed by lawmaker 10-13-11 Education Issues in the News
NJ Spotlight - Charters Continue to Stir Up Controversy -- in Senate, Court, and Home Districts…In the suburbs, experimental schools end up in court, as plaintiffs and defendants
The Record - Graduation rates will drop with new plan Senate Education Committee to hear Charter School Bills Thursday Oct 13th 10 am
Senate Education Thursday, October 13, 2011 - 10:00 AM Meeting - Committee Room 6, 1st Floor, State House Annex, Trenton, NJ - ALL BILLS ARE 'FOR DISCUSSION ONLY'
A3356 Charter sch. prog-modify various aspects
A3852 Charter sch. estab.-voter approval req.
S1594 Charter sch application-specify cert req
S2243 Charter sch. estab.-voter approval req.
S3001 Charter sch. prog-modify various aspects For additional details, go to the New Jersey Legislature website 10-6-11 Senate Education Committee to meet Oct 13 - Charter schools bills agenda focus
Click on More here for agenda and bill list - note that all bills on the agenda are 'for discussion only' More... 10-6-11 Charters, Norcross on education, school funding - Politicfact
Nj.com, Star Ledger - N.J. Democratic leader George Norcross calls for more charter schools, change to teacher tenure Star Ledger - One of four N.J. charter schools awarded federal grant not yet approved to operate
Politifact-Star Legder - The Truth-O-Meter Says: Says Gov. Chris Christie "cut spending (by) $1 billion" and provided "$850 million in new education funding."
Njspotlight.com - Norcross Captures Audience Attention with Education Agenda…One day after Christie promises renewed focus on education, South Jersey power broker weighs in 10-4 and 5- 11 Education & Related Issues in the News
Njspotlight.com - Christie's 'Not My Time' Signals Start of Governor's Race…Governor says he could have won White House, but work in New Jersey isn’t done. Will the Democrats confront or cooperate? "One race ended yesterday, but another began...It guarantees two years of rancorous debate in the legislature, starting in December with Christie's education agenda to end teacher tenure, expand charter schools, and institute a school voucher pilot program..." Courier Post, Asbury Park Press - Schools turn to peer mediation to battle bullying
Njspotlight.com - State Auditor Says Efficiency May Be Trumping Educational Need at SDA…Critics say report reinforces their claims that authority is leaving students stranded in substandard schools
Agenda: State Board of Education
QSAC is still on the docket, but this meeting will also see the announcement of the NJ Teacher of the Year 10-3-11 Administration's New Message to Charter Schools: Quality not Quantity
njspotlight.com - With only four of 60 charter applicants approved, Christie and Cerf signal that the rules are changing for charter schools -- as are the politics... More... 9-30-11 Just released: Four New Charter School Approvals announced by Department of Education
DOE Press Release: Christie Administration Expands High Quality Educational Options with Approval of Four Additional New Charter Schools Scheduled to Open in 2012 More... 9-30-11 Latest Round of Charter School Approvals to be announced this afternoon
Stay tuned... 9-30-11 Education Issues in recent News
Star Ledger - N.J. ranks 46th nationally for participation in the National School Breakfast Program
Department of Education Announces Members of Statewide Advisory Committee to Guide Teacher Evaluation Pilot Program GSCS September Notes
Welcome to Fall 2012. With legislative elections in both houses coming up this November, and with the Governor taking his education reform conversation to school folks directly - last Friday to school board members and today (Monday) to school superintendents - politics and education policy are emerging as front burner items. The Senate has started to convene committee meetings and voting sessions, not the usual routine during election season. There is talk of charter, teacher evaluation, tenure, merit pay, school funding reform, mandate relief -and more legislation- being on the Statehouse agenda prior to the November legislative elections. (In fact, just today the Education Transformation Task Force made it's initial report on mandate relief. To read more scroll below to the news briefs.) GSCS will continue to press our members' concerns and ideas to Trenton during this time. Our "short list" of advocacy items includes: · Quality education for all children · State aid for suburban school districts · Mandate relief · Reasonable education reform · High-stakes testing; testing revisions · School district / county consolidation proposals · Changes to the School Funding Reform Act (SFRA) · Special education funding · Charter school funding, development and regulation And we'll be watching for the latest new developments. So please let us hear from you, visit the GSCS website for the latest news . . . and as always, stay tuned. . . . 9-29-11More details on rural school funding suit, Charter schools - who reviews applications and Newark 'transparency' contracts
Press of Atlantic City - 16 poor, rural schools ask court to order state to provide full funding Star Ledger - N.J. senator challenges state Department of Education to reveal those who voluntarily select new charter schools
Njspotlight.com - Fine Print: Newark Charter Compact…A new 'contract' among charter schools stresses transparency and accessibility 9-28-11 Another school funding suit goes to court...Positives emerging re Facebook funds in Newark
Njspotlight.com - Underfunded Rural School Districts Seek Redress in Court…Bacon v. DOE hopes to follow up on Abbott v. Burke, this time for rural districts
Star Ledger - $100M grant from Mark Zuckerberg begins to have effect on Newark schools 9-26 and 27-11 Spotlight on NJ Recent Education Issues
More... 9-23-11 Mandate reduction re Professional Development 100 hour rule...Christie comments on NJEA relationship
More... 9-21-11 Anti-Bullying complexities, Facebook funds to Teachers, School Construction hearing
More... 9-20-11 Education Issues in the News
More... 9-19-11 Education Issues in the News
More... 9-16-11 Education Issues in the News
More... 9-15-11 Education Issues in the News
More... 9-14-11 Education Issues in the News
More... 9-13-11 In the News - Education Transformation Task Force Report
More... GSCS Organization 2011-2012 - Calendar, Dues, Trustees and Officers
More... Education Transformation Task Force Initial Report...45 recommendations for starters
More... 9-9-11 In the News - Charter School Controversy
More... 9-9-11 Commissioner Cerf open letter: Charter School Accountability
More... 9-8-11 Recap: Recent Education Issues in the News
More... 9-12-11 Governor's Press Notice & Fact Sheet re: Education Transformation Task Force Report
More... 9-12-11 Education Issues in the News
More... 8-24-11 Education Issues in the News
More... 8-17-11 Education Issues in Recent News
More... 8-8-11 Education & Related Issues in the News
More... 8-3-11 Teacher Evaluation Pilot Program, School Funding in the News
More... 8-12-11 Charter Suit and Newark's new Sup't Cami Anderson in the News
More... 8-10 and 11-11 NJ Spotlight - Education News
More... 8-2-11 Education & Related Issues In the News
More... 8-1-11 Education Issues in the News - Possible relief in the offing re: the QSAC mandate
More... 7-28-11 Teacher Swapping Quashed, $55M in Federal Funds to go to 9 underperfomring NJ Schools
More... 7-27-11 In the News
More... 7-26-11 Education Issues in the News - Charter policy change may be in the wind
More... 7-21-11 Education Issues in the News
More... 7-19-11 Most New Charter Schools Not ready to Open in September
More... 7-18-11 Education Issues in the News
More... FY'12 State School Aid District-by-District Listing, per Appropriations Act, released 110712
More... 7-15-11 GSCS Take: Additional State Aid of $150M and State Guidance
7-15-11 Education Issues in the News
More... 7-14-11 State GUIDANCE re: Using Additional State Aid as Property Tax Relief in this FY'12 Budget year.PDF
More... 7-14-11 School Aid Questions Remain, Department of Education being reorganized
More... 7-14-11 DOE Guidance on Local Options for using Additional State School Aid in FY'12 State Budget.PDF
More... 7-13-11 School Aid 'Returns' increased to equal 2% of the 5% cut from school budgets last year - in the News
More... 7-12-11 State Aid Increases in the News
More... 7-12-11 GSCS HEADS UP: STATE AID FIGURES BEING RELEASED TO DISTRICTS TODAY
7-11-11 State Street Wire reports on Senate Override Effort through this afternoon
More... Governor's Line Item Veto Document 6-30-11
More... 7-7-11 State Street Wire, 3:50 pm - A caucus unified, Senate Dems announce veto overrides
More... 7-7-11 Education Transformation Task Force Hearings Schedule on Mandate Relief for this Monday and Tuesday
More... 7-6-11 Status of FY'12 School Aid today: How and how much additional aid will come to public school students?
More... 7-5-11 Education and Related Issues in the News
More... 7-11-11 In the News
More... 7-1-11 In the News - Budget for FY'12 is done - as expected,Governor 'line item vetos' approx. $900M
More... 2010-11 Homepage Announcements, News, Reports and more
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