'Race to Top' application gains backers
THE RECORD
STATE HOUSE BUREAU
The state Legislature is signing on to New Jersey's application for up to $400 million in federal education funding — but without endorsing its most controversial elements, including a plan to base teacher pay on student achievement.
In a shift from what Education Commissioner Bret Schundler initially requested, lawmakers of both parties are expected to pass a resolution Thursday saying they support the state's entry in the Race to the Top competition. The application deadline is June 1.
But the document does not endorse the Christie administration's sweeping plans to overhaul the state's education system and pay teachers based on how their students perform in the classroom.
"Rushing through processes that will change policy in great magnitude doesn't benefit anyone at all," said state Sen. Teresa Ruiz, D-Essex, chairwoman of the education committee and prime sponsor of the measure. "The resolution is something that everyone is going to support."
The New Jersey Education Association teachers union also backs the resolution, which supporters say was modeled on Delaware's successful application package in the last round of the competition. NJEA spokesman Steve Baker would not say Monday whether the union — which opposes merit pay — will endorse the entire application. The NJEA was accused of dooming the state's chances by refusing to back its first Race to the Top attempt, which was rejected in March, when New Jersey was seeking $200 million
In a shift from what Education Commissioner Bret Schundler initially requested, lawmakers of both parties are expected to pass a resolution Thursday saying they support the state's entry in the Race to the Top competition. The application deadline is June 1.
But the document does not endorse the Christie administration's sweeping plans to overhaul the state's education system and pay teachers based on how their students perform in the classroom.
"Rushing through processes that will change policy in great magnitude doesn't benefit anyone at all," said state Sen. Teresa Ruiz, D-Essex, chairwoman of the education committee and prime sponsor of the measure. "The resolution is something that everyone is going to support."
The New Jersey Education Association teachers union also backs the resolution, which supporters say was modeled on Delaware's successful application package in the last round of the competition. NJEA spokesman Steve Baker would not say Monday whether the union — which opposes merit pay — will endorse the entire application. The NJEA was accused of dooming the state's chances by refusing to back its first Race to the Top attempt, which was rejected in March, when New Jersey was seeking $200 million