Christie Looks At Autism Schools, 5-Yr Teacher Reviews
PARAMUS, NJ (AP) - Gov. Chris Christie says he wants to see system where teachers are subject to performance reviews every five years.
At a town hall in Paramus on Thursday, he suggested hiring teachers on five-year contracts, allowing schools to review teachers before deciding whether to renew the contracts.
Earlier this week, the Republican called for an end to teacher tenure.
He says teachers should be given enough time to learn their craft but that the current process makes it too difficult to fire bad educators.
The idea of five-year contracts is just that; his office has not made an official proposal yet.
He has also yet to provide specific details on how he will get rid of teacher tenure - something the teacher's union has vowed to fight.
Christie is also exploring a plan to develop schools that specialize in educating children with autism in each of New Jersey's 21 counties.
The governor told his Thursday town hall meeting that the idea would offer a cost-effective alternative to districts trying to create their own special education curriculum.
Autism New Jersey director Linda Meyer told the Statehouse bureau of The Star-Ledger of Newark and The Record it sounds like the governor is aiming for equality and access to education for all.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
