Keep focus positive on education funds
JULY 31, 2010
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Rather than merely celebrate the small victory that New Jersey is among 18 finalists eligible for a share of roughly $3.4 billion in federal education reform funds, Gov. Chris Christie used the occasion to take yet another shot at the New Jersey Education Association.
First, some background: New Jersey is seeking roughly $400 million in Race to the Top funds. Its application promises to: base teachers' tenure protections on effectiveness, not length of service; implement bonuses for teachers and principals; emphasize growth of struggling students; and deploy a data system that tracks student performance, guides instructional planning and helps evaluate teachers and schools.
But rather than simply outlining his plans for pursuing that much needed chunk of change, Christie could not resist rehashing the roller coaster ride that was New Jersey's application process, including his rescinding some details negotiated between Education Commissioner Bret Schundler and the NJEA —