NJ Spotlight--Considering Opting Out of PARCC? Make Sure You Get Your Lawn Sign… The opt-out movement gets organized..'But the debate is still going on, and feelings still run high when it comes to PARCC (Partnership for the Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers). A union-led group named New Jersey Kids and Families has helped organize communities across the state, including public forums.
Star Ledger-Why some N.J. schools could get less state aid in 2017 'When New Jersey established a new school funding formula in 2008, state lawmakers promised that no school district would lose money right away...But the hold harmless aid that was supposed to disappear in some districts is still being doled out today, even as other districts remain chronically underfunded based on the state's formula.Now, two state lawmakers say they're working on a potentially controversial bipartisan plan to change how that money — more than $500 million — is allocated.'
Star Ledger-Rise of school threats ensnares sheriff
Investigators have determined that a spate of large-scale bomb threats targeting North Jersey schools this year have gone beyond the classroom...'Officials stress that the schools are safe and say the investigation is a high priority. But the hoaxes have victimized thousands of students and terrified even more parents as detectives race to find “digital fingerprints” they hope will stop the pranks.'
NJ Spotlight--Considering Opting Out of PARCC? Make Sure You Get Your Lawn Sign…The opt-out movement gets organized, while the administration comes up with its own strategies to keep students in seats
A year ago, the movement for families to opt out of the then-brand-new PARCC tests was gaining ground in many districts and had the Christie administration on the defensive over what it and local schools should do.
For PARCC’s second year, which starts for elementary-school students next week, the statewide debate has been less raucous. And in a small sampling of districts, educators are saying they are not seeing anything like last year’s numbers.
But the debate is still going on, and feelings still run high when it comes to PARCC (Partnership for the Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers). A union-led group named New Jersey Kids and Families has helped organize communities across the state, including public forums.
John Mooney | March 28, 2016
Star Ledger--Why some N.J. schools could get less state aid in 2017
TRENTON — When New Jersey established a new school funding formula in 2008, state lawmakers promised that no school district would lose money right away.
The concept, known as hold harmless, ensured that every school district received increased state aid in the first year before potentially seeing a decline in funding based on future enrollment and demographic changes.
But the hold harmless aid that was supposed to disappear in some districts is still being doled out today, even as other districts remain chronically underfunded based on the state's formula.
Now, two state lawmakers say they're working on a potentially controversial bipartisan plan to change how that money — more than $500 million — is allocated.
Adam Clark | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com | March 26, 2016 at 7:30 AM, updated March 26, 2016 at 5:08 PM
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Star Ledger--Rise of school threats ensnares sheriff
Investigators have determined that a spate of large-scale bomb threats targeting North Jersey schools this year have gone beyond the classroom. For the first time, a law enforcement source acknowledged that these cyberattacks are related not only to one another, but also to previously undisclosed threats to the Bergen County sheriff and his Emerson home.
Officials stress that the schools are safe and say the investigation is a high priority. But the hoaxes have victimized thousands of students and terrified even more parents as detectives race to find “digital fingerprints” they hope will stop the pranks.
http://www.northjersey.com/news/rise-of-school-threats-ensnares-sheriff-1.1534137
BY STEFANIE DAZIO|STAFF WRITER | THE RECORD| MARCH 28, 2016