Bozza Ready to Engage Education Commissioner

A township resident and former Montville schools superintendent who now heads the New Jersey Association of School Administrators is looking forward to an opportunity next week for school chiefs to engage in discussion with the state's acting education commissioner.

In a news release, Richard Bozza said some of the key education issues he expects will be addressed include proposed legislation to hold school elections in November, the authenticity of teacher and principal evaluations and updated student assessments.

Chief education officers from around the state are scheduled to meet at Kean University on Jan. 17 to hear the "State of the State" address from Acting Education Commissioner Christopher D. Cerf, according to the news release. The dialogue is part of the Commissioner’s Convocation at the university's Downs Hall, 1000 Morris Ave., Union, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Admission is $5 (cash and check payable to NJASA only). Reservations are being handled by the NJASA and must be received by Wednesday. Online registration is available at www.njasa.net/convocation. For more information or to make a reservation call association business manager Libby DeNorchia at 609-599-2900.

“The chief education officers are at the front lines of New Jersey’s schools, working to ensure the highest quality of instruction,” Bozza said. “We have valuable input to share with Acting Commissioner Cerf. Together, we can create a superior statewide education system through smart educational policy.”

Here's Bozza's take on what he says are some of the key education issues facing New Jersey:

School Elections

The proposed school election changes—"on track to pass" with bipartisan support—are a smart move. The date change may be made by the school board, municipal council or by voter referendum, and that flexibility might be why it has received bipartisan support.

The proposal also eliminates budget votes for towns below the 2 percent cap. If the budget is above the cap, the excess amount would be put to a vote.

“This is a smart move for New Jersey schools,” Bozza said. “Historically, April elections have had low voter turnout. By shifting elections to November, there will be increased participation. This bill also will help districts whose below-cap budgets are being rejected by voters.”

Teacher and Principal Evaluations

New Jersey’s schools are under pressure to implement a new teacher and principal assessment program for the 2012-13 school year. The new assessment program is anticipated to influence decisions about school personnel policies, professional development, promotion, compensation, merit-based bonuses, tenure and reductions in force. 

Currently, 11 schools are testing the pilot program through March. The program is expected to be a requirement for New Jersey schools for the 2012-13 school year, though the assessment in the initial year may not be counted toward teacher and principal tenure.

“We urge the state to take some time to evaluate the results of the pilot program,” Bozza said. “Talk to administrators and staff to get the necessary feedback to make this an authentic assessment.”

He cautions against a “one size fits all” approach and said questions need to be addressed:

• If one classroom has a number of special education students or limited English speaking students, should we rate the teachers the same on their students’ test scores? 
• What if there is a team teaching approach? 
• How do you credit each teacher for the performance of students? 
• Does the influence of the second grade teacher affect the outcomes of the students taught by next year’s third grade teacher?

Core Curriculum Standards Will Update Student Assessment

The Common Core State Standards, adopted by 45 states and the District of Columbia, will change the face of student assessment. The new standards will require more frequent and more comprehensive testing, including computer-directed performance-based tasks.

Developed in collaboration with teachers, school administrators and experts, the standards are designed to provide a clear and consistent framework to prepare students for college and the workforce. No state will lower its standards to comply with the national norm, but will build upon the most advanced current thinking.

The New Jersey Department of Education is working with neighboring states to develop and share exemplary curriculum and periodic assessments in language arts, mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics which schools can use beginning with the 2012-2013 school year.