Families in Camden, New Jersey Lead the Fight for Educational Options

Three mothers of Camden students in New Jersey are suing the state for not providing children with a quality education as required by the state constitution.  And if precedence means anything in the New Jersey Courts, these mothers have a good shot.  Thirty-two years ago, Raymond Abbott, a Camden student and the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit alleging inadequate funding for schools in impoverished cities, led the charge in what resulted in an overhaul of how the state funds public schools.

So these moms have some good history behind them—and, unfortunately, some sobering statistics about Camden Public Schools:

• 23 of 26 public schools in Camden are failing
• Camden schools make up one-third of the poorest-performing public schools 5 percent of schools in New Jersey
• Less than 1 percent of students who take the SATs score high enough to meet college standards

 While New Jersey has charter schools and public school choice, these mothers are asking the state education commissioner to find better-performing schools for their children—and the 15,000 students in Camden—immediately.

Several groups supporting the suit—Excellent Education for Everyone (E3), the Black Ministers’ Council of New Jersey, and the Latino Leadership Alliance of New Jersey—have the answer:  a scholarship tax credit program.  These organizations are also strong supporters of the Opportunity Scholarship Act.

The OSA has strong bipartisan support and the backing of Governor Chris Christie.  Despite this strong support, the bill is not yet law because of politics as usual: Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver will not let the bill come to a vote.

It’s time the New Jersey Education Commissioner, Speaker Oliver, and other opponents of immediate educational options know this: Parents Know Best.  So let’s listen to these Camden mothers.

- American Federation for Children | Alliance for School Choice, MSG

New Calls in New Jersey for School Choice Options

This week, an education task force on education in New Jersey recommended implementing major education reforms backed by Gov. Chris Christie, including using public money to send some students to private schools. 

The Education Transformation Task Force, convened by the governor a year ago, called for 428 regulatory changes and 46 legislative changes.  Included in the recommendations are implementing a scholarship tax credit program—which would allow children from low-income families living in certain cities to attend the private school of their parents’ choice—and end some limits on charter schools in the state.

The report specifically noted how children from low-income families need a quality education:

We must concede that the world deals tragically bad hands to many children — burdening them with poverty, challenging home and community environments, and more — and that overcoming those challenges is extraordinarily difficult. At the same time, progress depends on our belief that talented educators and effective schools can make a profoundly significant difference in helping children achieve despite the challenges imposed by circumstances beyond their control.

But not everybody was happy with the report. 

Steve Baker, a spokesman for the New Jersey Education Association—that’s the same organization whose executive director said “life isn’t always fair” while arguing against giving expanded educational options to students trapped in failing schools—said the report pushes to privatize public schools.  That’s an argument we’ve heard before.

But the Education Transformation Task Force’s report is not the only call for private school choice this week in the Garden State.

The Courier Post praised the state’s interdistrict public school choice and called for creating private school choice in the state as well in an editorial published this week:

Nonetheless, [interdistrict public school choice] can mean everything in creating a better future for individual boys and girls across our state. It helps kids who desperately want to get out of a failing and/or dangerous school. Trapping them and sentencing them to a life deprived of quality education all in the name of maintaining an educational status quo based solely on geography is wrong. It’s one of the most maddening things about our state — we pour billions of extra dollars from Trenton into our most deprived schools, yet largely do nothing to see that those schools improve as they should. We accept that they continue to fail kids.

The editorial continues:

We believe throwing out multiple lifelines — be they public school choice, school vouchers, magnet and charter schools and simultaneously fixing the public schools — is the right path, the one that does best for kids, which is what the goal must always be.

Now it’s time for officials to read the news and this state report.  Because New Jersey kids don’t have time to wait.

- American Federation for Children | Alliance for School Choice, MSG

Governor Christie Should Talk Education at the GOP Convention

Governor Chris Christie, who is giving the keynote address tonight at the Republican National Convention, has a great opportunity to address an issue that both Republicans and Democrats need to hear: creating more educational options for children all across the nation.  When the governor takes the stage tonight, he should use that time to talk about school choice.

While pundits and talking heads argue that America is more polarized than ever before, Christie should point out that school choice—in both vouchers and scholarship tax credit programs—are supported by both Democrats and Republicans.  Rather, it’s partisan politics as usual that is preventing school choice from becoming a real option for so many American families.

In New Jersey, for example, Governor Christie championed the Opportunity Scholarship Act (OSA), a scholarship tax credit program for children from low-income families.  And he had strong Democratic support in the legislature.  Newark Mayor Cory Booker, Assemblyman Angel Fuentes, Assemblyman Troy Singleton, and Senator Raymond Lesniak are only some of the prominent Democrats who supported the initiative.  In fact, the legislation had enough votes in both chambers to pass.  Why isn’t the OSA law in New Jersey?  The Speaker of the Assembly never let the bill come to a vote.

But a setback in New Jersey isn’t the only story.  In 2011, seven new private school choice programs were created and 11 programs were expanded.  And in 2012, five new programs were created and six programs expanded.  This work was often done in a bipartisan manner.

Battleground State: New Jersey

The Garden State has been in a long fight to bring school choice to its disadvantaged students.  And thanks to a broad coalition of supporters, advocates, and elected officials, the Garden State is in a position to enact the Opportunity Scholarship Act (OSA), a scholarship tax credit program for students from low-income families attending the state’s poorest-performing schools.

New Jersey Education

New Jersey has the highest per-pupil expenditure after New York, spending more than $17,000 per-pupil.    In math, only 51 percent New Jersey fourth graders are proficient.  Among African American students and Hispanic students only 24 percent and 28 percent are proficient respectively.  In reading, only 43 percent of students are proficient, with 25 percent of African American students and 25 percent of Hispanic students performing at grade level.

The Major Players

Governor Chris Christie (R)

The Republican Governor has called for the New Jersey General Assembly to pass school choice legislation before the current session ends in fewer than 50 days.  Governor Christie not only has made the OSA the centerpiece of his education reform package, but he’s advocating for children every day.  Last week, he spoke at the American Federation for Children’s National Policy Summit where he told the crowd that he’s ready for fight for this legislation.  And earlier this year, he called for the resignation of Vincent Giordano, executive director of the New Jersey Education Association for saying life’s not fair to low-income families that are looking to escape failing public schools.

Mayor Cory Booker (D)

This elected official not only rescues neighbors from burning homes, but he calls for children to have access to a great education, no matter the delivery system.  Mayor Booker also keynoted the American Federation for Children’s National Policy Summit, where he spoke about patriotism and the need to provide more for our children.   In fact, he asked how people can be against school choice when they themselves are not willing to send their kids to poor-performing schools.  Known as America’s mayor, we’re happy that Mayor Booker is on the side of children.

Assemblyman Troy Singleton (D)

This newly elected member of the New Jersey Assembly not only supports the OSA, but is speaking out in support of this legislation.  Assemblyman Singleton wrote,

“The OSA, as well as other strategic programs that are intended to enhance the educational opportunities of our children, is the answer. In approving the OSA, we must step outside of our preconceived notions and work toward our common goal of providing the best education for our children who are falling through the cracks year after year.”

Assemblyman Angel Fuentes (D)

A rising star in the General Assembly, Assemblyman Fuentes is not only an outspoken member of the legislature, but has a strong commitment to improving educational outcomes in the Hispanic community.  In fact, Assemblyman Fuentes is a prime cosponsor of the OSA.

Senator Raymond Lesniak (D)

Senator Lesniak has shown his support for New Jersey’s most disadvantaged students via outspoken support for the Opportunity Scholarship Act.  His leadership in the Senate has helped increase bipartisan support for school choice legislation.

Were you unable to attend our 2012 National Policy Summit?

If so, then you missed an amazing event...but you're not entirely out of luck!

We documented all the highlights of our 2012 Summit, and we want to make sure we share them with you.

At our YouTube page, you'll find links to each of our keynote addresses from New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, Newark Mayor Cory Booker, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, and author/commentator Juan Williams.

We also paid tribute to the late John T. Walton, the namesake for the Alliance for School Choice's annual Champions for School Choice Award, shined a light on the demand for educational options in New Jersey, and reminded folks that Parents Know Best.

There was one more video we showed at our Summit, but instead of telling you about it, we thought it'd be best to take a look yourself. Let's just say that the Summit wasn't themed "Breakthrough Victories for Children" for nothing.

We hope you enjoy!

 - American Federation for Children | Alliance for School Choice, MAG

Governor Chris Christie, Mayor Cory Booker Put New Jersey Children Ahead of Partisan Politics

Newark Mayor Cory Booker and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie in 2010.

It's usually tough to find common ground in today's often bitterly partisan political landscape.  But two of New Jersey's most prominent chief executives are doing their best to change that. 

Instead of focusing on issues on which they don't agree, Republican Governor Chris Christie and Democratic Mayor Cory Booker -- both of whom will be giving keynote addresses at next month's AFC National Policy Summit -- may not agree on much, they do agree on providing children from low-income families the opportunity to access a quality education.  And that is something to celebrate!

While they have among the brightest futures in their respective parties, they're concerned less with running for the next office and more with working to reform New Jersey's education system for the betterment of the state's kids.

Christie has championed the Opportunity Scholarship Act (OSA), which would create a corporate scholarship tax credit program for children in the state's lowest-performing school districts, since he took office in January 2010.  He's made the OSA a top priority entering the legislative session, and it's expected to be considered by the legislature later this spring.  Booker, who became Newark's mayor in 2007, last year testified passionately in favor of the OSA and has been an outspoken supporter of Christie's education reform agenda.

Governor Christie Brews up talk on school vouchers on MSNBC’s Morning Joe

The folks over at MSNBC's Morning Joe traveled to Fort Lee High School in New Jersey to brew up conversation on education reform in the Garden State. Among the guests was New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who was characteristically passionate in his discussion of school choice and education reform. He even gave a shout out to the Opportunity Scholarship Act (OSA), which he—along with many Democrats—support.  In fact, he even predicted that the scholarship tax credit program would become law this year!

Christie has made education reform a centerpiece of his agenda during his first two years in office. The OSA would offer students from low-income families in the state's worst-performing school districts the chance to attend a great school via scholarships given out thanks to generous donors who would, in turn, receive a tax credit for their donation. 

But even with strong bipartisan support in both the Assembly and the Senate, the bill has yet to receive a vote. That's because the opposition to private school choice is strong and carries a great deal of influence, as the governor pointed out this morning:

[Unions] have made it very clear to me and to the legislature that [vouchers are] an unacceptable alternative and they will fight in every way they can. All vouchers of any kind: limited program, a pilot program of any kind. No chance.  That’s what they’ve said.

But don't just take Governor Christie's words for it. Read about what the head of the state's largest teachers union said himself last month.

A Fiery School Choice Champion Reminds Us and Others Why We Fight

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie giving the keynote speech at our
2010 National Policy Summit in Washington, D.C.

Back before he was being mentioned as a potential candidate for president, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie keynoted our first annual National Policy Summit during the spring of 2010, where we discovered just how passionate an advocate for school choice he was. And although it wasn't a part of the recent national conversation surrounding his ultimately non-existent White House bid, school choice continues to be one of the issues for which he's most passionate.

Don't believe us? Watch a video below of Christie on a New Jersey radio show earlier this month, where the governor articulates so strongly why it's so important to try alternatives to the education status quo. The caller on the show uses a routine argument—that the problem isn't the schools, but instead issues for kids at home.

And you know what? The caller is right about part of that equation, and Christie concedes as much. Many kids who are trapped in failing schools are also the victims of a home life that lacks the amount of parental involvement they need to strive. Sometimes it's because a child comes from a single-parent household, or they're a foster child, or their parents are working so hard to "stay above water financially," as Christie puts it, that they don't have the time to stay as engaged as they'd like in their child's life.

"What Would You Think of a Chef Who Wouldn't Eat At His Own Restaurant?"

There was a big kerfuffle last week when Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel got very impatient with a local reporter after she asked him about his decision to send his kids to private schools, despite the fact that Chicago Public Schools fall under mayoral control. Here's a video of the exchange:

"Agnostic As to the Delivery Mechanism"

At our 2011 National Policy Summit, held two months ago in Washington, D.C., we were honored to welcome renowned education reformer Michelle Rhee, who discussed the evolution that ultimately brought her to support school choice and endorse reauthorization of the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program. Of particular note was the following portion, in which Rhee explained what she'd say to people who questioned why, as the then-Chancellor of D.C. Public Schools, she supported giving kids the choice to exercise options outside of the District. Here's what she said:

I do not believe that my job is to protect and defend and preserve a district that is doing a disservice to children. I believe that my job is to make sure that every single child in this city gets a great education. I am agnostic as to the delivery mechanism.

Not surprisingly, this has been a sentiment she has echoed many times before and since. In some ways it gets to the heart of our support for school choice. We do not believe in any one system as better or worse than another. We simply believe that if low-income families get the opportunities afforded to others as a result of  socioeconomic variables, they can then choose the schools that will help children flourish. We could not care less whether the schools were traditional public, charter, or private—we just want kids to get the best education possible.

Let's remember that there are many great traditional public schools, countless high-performing charter schools, as well as private schools. But there are failing public schools, unaccountable charters, and private schools that miss the boat, too. The point is that no system is perfect and every system excels in certain environments.

In the same way that Rhee isn't willing to support a system as an idea, it doesn't make sense for our fellow voucher advocates to oppose a system as an idea. That's why we took notice of some quotes we found in an otherwise misguided piece that characterizes the fight for the Opportunity Scholarship Act in New Jersey as an effort to privatize education. The overwhelming majority of voucher advocates there and elsewhere care about helping giving opportunities to kids who otherwise couldn't afford them. It's the driving force behind prominent school choice advocates like Newark Mayor Cory Booker, Rev. Reginald Jackson, and, we believe, Gov. Chris Christie. But the story also quotes the following from a state tea party advocate:

Our ultimate goal is to shut down public schools and have private schools only, eventually returning responsibility for payment to parents and private charities. It’s going to happen piecemeal and not overnight. It took us years to get into this mess and it’s going to take years to get out of it.

Let's set the record straight right now: this is not what we believe. Our foe is not a system, it's people who are blindly protecting a system without acknowledging its faults and embracing ways to improve it. While we're happy to embrace a diverse coalition of allies and school choice advocates, it will always be the ends—not the means—that matters to us. If all public schools were excellent or all private schools were abysmal, we'd be in a different line of work. But as long as there is nuance in the nature and quality of the choices, there should be an equally nuanced debate. This has never been about either/or. Through vouchers, scholarship tax credits, and quality charter schools, this is about permitting choice where it would otherwise not be present.

- American Federation for Children | Alliance for School Choice, MAG