Gov. Christie brings teacher tenure into focus with Michelle Rhee at State of the State Address | State | NewJerseyNewsroom.com -- Your State. Your News.

Gov. Christie brings teacher tenure into focus with Michelle Rhee at State of the State Address | State | NewJerseyNewsroom.com -- Your State. Your News.

Gov. Christie brings teacher tenure into focus with Michelle Rhee at State of the State Address

WEDNESDAY, 12 JANUARY 2011 14:58

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BY BOB HOLT

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

Cutting teacher tenure and a greater choice of schools were on top of Governor Christie's education agenda during his first State of the State address.

Christie sent a strong message by inviting Michelle Rhee, the often controversial former chancellor of the Washington D.C. public schools, to attend the event. Rhee has started a movement called "Students First" and lists New Jersey as one of the states where they are collaborating on school reform.

Defenders of teacher tenure often argue that is not a lifetime job guarantee but a path marked by due process. The legislature sets the rules for tenure, but the state education department can set standards for evaluating teachers.

Christie has asked a task force to deliver recommendations for grading teachers and reforming tenure. It