http://www.my9nj.com/story/24539691/christie-proposes-education-changesChristie Proposes Education Changes
Posted: Jan 24, 2014 8:44 AM
Camden, New Jersey (My9NJ) - In Governor Christie’s efforts to solve New Jersey’s education problems, yesterday he visited the Dudley Family School in Camden to discuss some of his plans for school programs in the Garden State.
Christie took the time to chat with the kids and even answer some questions. When students asked the governor what exactly it is that he does, he was eager to share his duties.
“I get to work with the legislature, people get elected, you work with them on laws, to pass new laws for the state. I work with all the people in my cabinet to try and implement those laws and make sure they work the right way,” Christie explained.
One of the big education announcements that he made in Camden is plans for an after-school dinner program for kids in six of the city’s schools. Research has shown that when kids are hungry, that affects not just their academic performance, but also their behavior.During his state of the state address, Christie had a lot to say about his plans for the education system in New Jersey.
“Life in 2014 is very much different from life 100 years ago and it demands something more for our students. It is time to lengthen both the school day and the school year in New Jersey,” Christie said.
Members of the NJEA chimed in to discuss what this means for their classrooms. “We say we’re willing to talk about anything, but it’s hardly a new concept. About a third of the districts have already negotiated longer days and/or years, which is how it should be done because it has major implications for staffing and compensation. If you’re gonna have a longer day or longer year there is additional compensation involved so there are costs. Transportation, your entire budget is affected by something like this,” NJEA communications Director Steve Wollmer explained.
Now parents and students on the other hand aren’t as happy about the governors proposed plan. One parent said, “Just having the time in the summer to just be a family, relax and take a break is very important to kids.” Another parent agreed saying, “It wouldn’t be cost effective because you would have to put air conditioning in all the schools plus it would be hard for parents to plan vacations around everyone’s schedule.”
New Jersey spends over $7 billion on education each year and is among the 36 states that actually outperformed the international education average, so are these changes necessary?
