N.J. teachers union backs state effort to win $400M in federal funds
THE RECORD
STAFF WRITER
New Jersey’s largest teacher’s union endorsed the state’s bid to win $400 million Thursday from Race to the Top, the federal contest to spur school reform.
The union had initially balked at the state’s proposal, which pushed for merit pay, changes in granting tenure and making layoff decisions based on teachers’ effectiveness rather than seniority. But after weeks of discussions and compromises, the New Jersey Education Association agreed to back the state’s plan.
Dawn Hiltner, an NJEA spokeswoman, said the updated proposal makes no attempt to change seniority rules, and ensures that students’ standardized test scores are not the main measure for evaluating teachers.
The NJEA is advising local union chiefs to sign on to the plan. Broad buy-in helps applications. So far, superintendents in more than 400 districts and charters have joined; state officials are hoping NJEA endorsement will nudge union local chiefs to pledge to participate too.
“We are pleased that the process worked like it is supposed to,” said NJEA President Barbara Keshishian in a release. “The US Department of Education
RECORD FILE PHOTO
Dawn Hiltner, an NJEA spokeswoman, said the updated proposal makes no attempt to change seniority rules, and ensures that students’ standardized test scores are not the main measure for evaluating teachers.
The NJEA is advising local union chiefs to sign on to the plan. Broad buy-in helps applications. So far, superintendents in more than 400 districts and charters have joined; state officials are hoping NJEA endorsement will nudge union local chiefs to pledge to participate too.
“We are pleased that the process worked like it is supposed to,” said NJEA President Barbara Keshishian in a release. “The US Department of Education