N.J. governor plans to outline linking teachers' raises and job security to student performance
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie before a town-hall meeting hosted by GOP nominee for California governor Meg Whitman.OLD BRIDGE — Gov. Chris Christie this afternoon will roll out part of his agenda for transforming New Jersey’s education bureaucracy, linking teachers’ raises and job security to student performance rather than seniority or advanced training, according to two sources with knowledge of the plans.
Christie will outline the plans at two town halls, first this afternoon in Old Bridge and the second Thursday, the sources said. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak to the press before the governor's announcement.
The changes are aimed at putting student achievement at the center of a public education system that currently gives teachers contractual raises based on number of years worked and advanced degrees received.
But Christie can’t unilaterally make all the changes he will propose. Some will need to be passed by the Democrat-controlled Legislature, while others can be changed in regulations or through the state board of education, the sources said.
To help hammer out specifics, Christie today will create a task force through executive order to make recommendations, the sources said.
Christie will also announce a website where parents can track teacher evaluations and student performance, part of a data system known as NJ SMART.
Christie has made the high cost of New Jersey's education a central theme during his first year in office. He has talked about his disappointment with districts such as Newark, where low graduation rates persist, despite the tens of thousands spent per student every year.
By Lisa Fleisher and Jessica Calefati / The Star-Ledger
Previous coverage:
• Gov. Chris Christie to take education reform agenda to Hoboken
• N.J. Board of Education vows to continue reform after Race to the Top loss
• Oprah to host N.J. Gov. Christie, Newark Mayor Booker for $100M school gift by Facebook CEO
• Gov. Christie, on eve of Oprah appearance, says Newark schools 'in dire need'
• Merit pay for teachers who improve students scores may not work, research shows