NJ Spotlight--In the 3rd, Costly Grudge Match Pits Sweeney Against Grenier and NJEA
The teachers union has spent $4.5 million backing a self-described ‘Trump Republican’ looking to wrest the seat from Democrat who has angered the NJEA
With less than a week before voters hit the polls this month, the most competitive — and expensive — legislative race in the state is showing no signs of slowing down, but is continuing instead to drive spending records to new heights and serve as the focal point of a busy election cycle.
Chase Brush | November 3, 2017
Star Ledger--Did racist 'Make Edison Great Again' election mailer break any laws?
EDISON -- Authorities are looking into whether the "Make Edison Great Again" anti-Indian and anti-Chinese school board election mailers sent to township residents violated any campaign regulations or criminal laws.
The postcards, which read "The Chinese and Indians are taking over our town. Chinese school! Indian school! Cricket fields! Enough is enough," do not identify a group that footed the bill for the mailers.
Two board of education candidates, Jerry Shi and Falguni Patel, are pictured with a "deport" stamp covering part of their photos.
It was unclear how many residents received the postcard in the state's fifth-largest municipality, where nearly half of its population is Asian.
Craig McCarthy| Updated Nov 2, 6:14 PM; Posted Nov 2, 3:01 PM
Star Ledger--2017 N.J. election guide: Where the candidates stand on education
Whoever wins next Tuesday's election to succeed Chris Christie as New Jersey's governor will help shape education in a state with 1.3 million students in 590 public school districts — as well as 33 public colleges.
The new administration will also help determine what's in store for the state's oft-debated school funding formula, as well as the future of charter school expansion, standardized testing, and graduation requirements — all controversial topics during Christie's tenure.
Here's a closer look at the candidates' plans for education.
Brent Johnson and Samantha Marcus | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Washington Post Writers Group (via The Record)-- Opinion: Teachers’ perceptions can become reality for students
CHICAGO – If it’s true that perception is reality, then perceptions can be both advantageous and burdensome when applied to education.
This occurred to me as I played a “Flocabulary” video for a group of fourth-grade students who struggle with math. Ostensibly, it was about how easy it is to multiply by ones and by zeroes, but the creators went heavy on the self-esteem aspect.
Esther J. Cepeda, Washington Post Writers Group Published 5:17 p.m. ET Nov. 2, 2017 | Updated 5:38 p.m. ET Nov. 2, 2017
Education Week--GOP Tax Bill Would Boost School Choice, May Squeeze K-12 Revenue
The Republicans' much-anticipated legislation to change the federal tax system includes a victory for school choice advocates: It would allow families to use up to $10,000 in savings from 529 college savings plans for K-12 expenses, including private school tuition.
Overall, the bill released Thursday would slash corporate and some individual tax rates, offsetting the cost by nixing other deductions. That includes a $250 deduction that teachers can use to cover classroom expenses, such as books, art supplies, and rewards for students. The bill would also eliminate the deduction for state and local income and sales taxes, a step advocates warn could pinch K-12 spending at the district and state level. More on that below.
And the legislation would put an end to the so-called Coverdell Accounts, tax-free accounts which families currently can use to cover up to $2,000 of K-12 costs, including private school tuition, in favor of the 529 change. Families could also use 529s to cover the cost of apprenticeships and could open an account when a child in utero. We previewed the possibility of a 529 benefit for K-12 back in August. It has strong support from the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank.
Andrew Ujifusa on November 2, 2017 1:32 PM