STAR LEDGER - LAYING THE PARRC RUMORS TO REST | Editorial…This test is more accurate than its predecessor, NJASK ‘…Now that the political uproar has died down and the results are finally in, here's what they show us about the PARCC: This is a good test…Once again, this demonstrates that the PARCC boycott movement is misguided. We need national standards for achievement, and they are meaningless without an accurate test to measure them.’
NJ SPOTLIGHT- HOW WILL CHRISTIE’S NEW STATE SCHOOL STANDARDS PLAY IN IOWA, NEW JERSEY?...Public has chance to be heard on new regulations, before state board votes, moves to implement ‘Today’s Iowa caucuses will give New Jersey -- and the rest of the country -- a chance to see what Gov. Chris Christie’s move away from the Common Core State Standards did for him politically. But the longer-term consequences will be seen in the discussion and implementation of the revisions Christie’s task force recommended last month for both the standards and new graduation requirements.’
JOHN MOONEY | FEBRUARY 1, 2016
Star Ledger – N.J. sets a goal for number of kids it wants in charter schools…During his State of the State address earlier this month, Gov. Chris Christie pledged to pursue the expansion of charter school opportunities for New Jersey students ‘New Jersey hopes to expand to 50,000 charter schools seats, about a 9 percent increase from the 46,000 seats currently authorized by the state, Education Commissioner David Hespe said…The state has about 41,500 students enrolled in charter schools and the number will expand to 46,000 as existing charter schools add more grade levels…Christie said his administration will explore ways to create greater flexibility in the teacher certification for charter schools and ways to make it easier for charter schools to find buildings…’http://www.nj.com/education/2016/01/njs_charter_school_goal_50000_seats.html#incart_river_index
By Adam Clark | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com Email the author | Follow on Twitter
on January 30, 2016 at 8:02 AM, updated January 31, 2016 at 7:15 AM
The Daily Journal - Law’s expiration may renew battle over benefits ‘…A state law requiring public employees to pay a percentage of their health benefit premiums expired last year, setting the stage for a battle over benefits between school boards and teachers unions…Lynne Strickland, executive director of the Garden State Coalition of Schools, said school board members are very concerned about maintaining the payments at their current level. “There is a concern about a domino theory, that if a few school boards roll back the payments, they will all start to fall,” she said.
While each district negotiates separately, most look to patterns from neighboring districts. State mediators will also compare offers with neighboring districts…’
DIANE D'AMICO, The Press of Atlantic City5:35 p.m. EST January 31, 2016
Press of Atlantic City - Benefits opt-out costing A.C. schools millions
These are the Atlantic City School District health benefit rates for 2015-16. Employees who waive coverage receive half the amount in 10 monthly installments.
SINGLE: $13,392
TWO ADULTS: $22,946
PARENT AND CHILD: $19,344
FAMILY: $36,777
Source: Atlantic City School District
Posted: Saturday, January 30, 2016 2:00 pm DIANE D’AMICO, Staff Writer
NJ SPOTLIGHT - THE LIST: NEW JERSEY SCHOOLS WITH THE HIGHEST PERCENTAGE OF KIDS LIVING IN POVERTY…Poor children grow up to be impoverished adults. Along the way they’re more likely to be sick, score low on standardized tests, experience violence, and ultimately drop out ‘The U.S. Census Bureau recently released its small-area poverty estimates, which include data for child poverty by school district. What follows is the at-times-surprising list of the 10 school districts in New Jersey with the highest poverty rates for children age 5 to 17 in 2014.’
COLLEEN O'DEA | FEBRUARY 1, 2016