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| To Lead Schools, Christie Picks Voucher Advocate |
| 2010-01-15 |
| The man once described by teachers' union leaders as "the antithesis of everything we hold sacred about public education" was chosen to serve as state education commissioner by Governor-elect Christopher J. Christie on Wednesday. The nomination of Bret D. Schundler to the post underscored the governor's determination to press ahead with his push for school vouchers, more charter schools and merit pay for teachers. It was the first selection by Mr. Christie to suggest even the possibility of a confirmation battle with Democrats, who control both houses of the Legislature. Thus far, the governor-elect has chosen nominees heavy on managerial experience, if lacking in drama or outsized personalities, and drawn bipartisan praise for his selections. Mr. Schundler, 50, was a favorite of the conservative wing of the Republican Party and a leading voice for school-choice advocates during his nine years as mayor of Jersey City, but he failed in two runs for governor, in 2001 and 2005. "We agree on the type of significant reform that needs to happen in our educational system here in New Jersey," Mr. Christie said in making the announcement at the State House. "I want a strong, reasonable, bold leader who's going to help me implement those policies." Still, some of the ideas that made him a polarizing figure to unions and Democratic leaders have become more mainstream, with even President Obama signaling interest in merit pay and promoting the expansion of charter schools. On Wednesday, the teachers' union issued a statement that refrained from criticizing the choice. |
| Posted by:Fred |
| #4 i home-school my younger son. the local district said that his special needs were offset by the hard work my wife and i did at home (he was performing near grade level) and the school could game the system until he moved to middle school with conferences, intervention meetings, consultations until he hit middle school where the process would start fresh. the special needs coordinator told us off the record that if our skin was brown or if we had a more affluent last name, he would already be getting help. they also suggested we move to a different district. our other child (senior high now) stays home on the 'special attendance days' where enrollment levels are calculated for the tax money. screw-em. the drawing for the ipod (given to student attending that day) is rigged anyway. friend of family that works for district said he has been prohibited from giving grade of F for any reason in his classes and they drill for 2 weeks to the exception of all other activity before standardized tests. if there was any option (vouchers) there would be total stampede. one the 3 private schools within 40 minute drive all have tuition in excess of $10K a year and even with the high cost, waiting lists. |
| Posted by: abu do you love 2010-01-15 20:29 |
| #3 Here's a data point for you: when I was a teacher, I was a member of the union. Both my kids go to Catholic schools. That's no coincidence. |
| Posted by: Mike 2010-01-15 08:59 |
| #2 Kitchen table research mostly. 'Home Schooling' is generally the result. Gov't research, not so much. |
| Posted by: Besoeker 2010-01-15 08:21 |
| #1 On Wednesday, the teachers' union issued a statement that refrained from criticizing the choice. Probably because they're in shock. Question for the professors at Rantburg U: Is any research addressing the question of the public's view of teachers' unions? or are there any criminal investigations of teachers unions going on anywhere in the country? |
| Posted by: mom 2010-01-15 08:18 |