The problem with New Jersey’s takeover of Camden schools
Gov. Chris Christie (Lucas Jackson — Reuters)
Something had to be done for the 16,000 kids in Camden’s very low-achieving public schools, but there are big questions about whether the takeover by the state government of New Jersey will do much to help. After all, the state has in the past few decades taken over three other ailing public school districts, and there is limited progress to show for it.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie just announced the takeover of the Camden district because of its dismal academic record, and when you hear the statistics, you may think a state takeover seems reasonable. After all, 90 percent of Camden public schools are in the bottom 5 percent of the state’s schools according to standardized test scores, more than 80 percent of fourth graders score less than proficient in language arts, and the high school graduation rate is 49 percent. Under the plan, the local school board will have an advisory role, and Christie will appoint a new