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Think about that for a minute though, Mike. We're talking about consolidating districts- not consolidating schools. What if you left all the school zoning maps the same, so little Johnny still went to "Muffington Elementary", instead of being moved to that scary "Broville Elementary"? The zones stay, the teachers stay, even the principals stay- we just consolidate the adminstrative staffs from the various sundry districts. Think that'd make people comfortable? Think it'd save any $$?
Heck- let's get really crazy- leave the schools alone, and just consolidate the libraries, health departments, sanitation departments, public works, roads, etc. That'd be a great start, wouldn't it???
bob - people don't understand this, and surprising since this would occur mostly in the wealthy educated areas. i posted a link a few weeks ago where this was voted down by 2 towns in Sussex County this past november. it's really simple - people want all the perks without the sacrifice. they are willing to vote it down and accept higher taxes, all the while complaining about said taxes.
i just find it funny that everyone's thrilled about Bret and his "war on the NJEA", but we all realize it isn't going to matter much. LOL
also, a serious question - how do you implement merit pay? how on earth can you possibly compare a teacher in a bad school in newark to a teacher in a wealthy suburb like millburn?
hate to say it, but typical christie - big on rhetoric, light on details.
I would think score improvements within a given class in a given school would do the trick. No need to compare Newark to Milburn. How about Newark simply show improvement.
I would think score improvements within a given class in a given school would do the trick. No need to compare Newark to Milburn. How about Newark simply show improvement.
ok. make the tests easier to show improvement. where's my raise?
ok. make the tests easier to show improvement. where's my raise?
I am sure the NJEA would love that but the teachers are going to have to teach effectively to get better scores on standardized tests. The same test the kids in Milburn take, I am sure the kids in Newark could compete with anyone given the best teachers. How are you going to attract the best teachers? Give merit pay based upon improvment in test scores. There is a better possibility to get significant increases in scores in Newark than Milburn. What is the incentive now?
I am sure the NJEA would love that but the teachers are going to have to teach effectively to get better scores on standardized tests. The same test the kids in Milburn take, I am sure the kids in Newark could compete with anyone given the best teachers. How are you going to attract the best teachers? Give merit pay based upon improvment in test scores. There is a better possibility to get significant increases in scores in Newark than Milburn. What is the incentive now?
have you heard of maslow's hierarchy of needs? a lot of children in newark/camden don't even have the basic needs, they are from broken homes. god himself wouldn't be able to get higher tests scores from kids who don't know where their next meal is coming from, or if they are going to come home to find a needle stuck in mommy's arm. it's not as easy as you think, and standardized tests are NOT an indication of quality education.
how about teachers of special needs children? how do you rank them?
would YOU take a teacher's job in Newark knowing you were rated on your kids improving on tests. I sure as hell wouldn't.
have you heard of maslow's hierarchy of needs? a lot of children in newark/camden don't even have the basic needs, they are from broken homes. god himself wouldn't be able to get higher tests scores from kids who don't know where their next meal is coming from, or if they are going to come home to find a needle stuck in mommy's arm. it's not as easy as you think, and standardized tests are NOT an indication of quality education.
how about teachers of special needs children? how do you rank them?
would YOU take a teacher's job in Newark knowing you were rated on your kids improving on tests. I sure as hell wouldn't.
Amen.
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