Current Focus of the Cross Cultural Partnership Project

New Jersey State

In New Jersey the Cross Cultural Partnership Project has focused its attention on the New Jersey Supreme Court case, Abbott v. Burke. This case challenged the state’s system of educational resource allocation, finding that the method of funding schools based primarily on property taxes discriminates against children in poorer urban districts. The court held that children in low-income areas have a right to a high quality early childhood education, and called for the implementation of a new and proper formula that would close the achievement gap between urban students and their suburban peers.

The court remedy included reducing class sizes and requiring the presence of a certified teacher in every classroom as a means of increasing educational quality and promoting school readiness for students in these economically challenged urban districts. New requirements stipulate that teachers must have Bachelor degrees and pass a state licensing exam. This mandate applies to teachers already employed as well as to new hires. Professional development seminars and forums that help prepare educators to attain this new level of accreditation is a key focus of the Project in New Jersey.

 

Miami - Los Angeles - New Jersey State