Report Shows Money’s Not the Problem in Failing School Districts”
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Despite spending levels that meet or exceed virtually every state in the country, and that saw a significant increase in spending levels from 2000 to 2008, our 'at risk' children are now moving further from proficiency.
-Judge Peter Doyne
Westfield— Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean, Jr. (R- Union), in response to a special master’s findings in the latest school funding lawsuit pending before the Supreme Court, said that Judge Doyne’s report affirms the need for outcomes-based education reforms in New Jersey:
“Judge Doyne’s report proves that money is not the problem for chronically failing school districts in New Jersey.”
“His assertion that the former Abbott districts are moving ‘further from proficiency’ despite spending more per pupil than almost every other state in America is a condemnation of education policies that favor money over accountability and innovation.”
“What state government and the education establishment have been doing in New Jersey isn’t working for students in failing districts. To respond by throwing more taxpayer dollars at the problem would be the definition of insanity and is unlikely to improve the education of a single student.”
“Judge Doyne’s report should serve as a wake up call to the Legislature that now is the time to act on outcomes-based education reforms that reward the best teachers, easily remove bad teachers from the classroom, and holds each district accountable for student achievement.”