A month ago, in an essay at WHYY’s Newsworks, I waxed rhapsodic over Connecticut’s mature, patient approach to education reform, as opposed to New Jersey’s high-octane, childish bluster. I spoke too soon. According to an article in today's Wall Street Journal, Connecticut’s education reform package, which includes elements similar to NJ’s, is on the ropes because of a $1.5 million state budget shortfall.
The Connecticut State Legislature passed tenure reform and teacher evaluation bills last year after gaining buy-in from teacher union leaders. But the carefully-negotiated reforms may be moot. Says Jennifer Alexander of Connecticut Coalition for Achievement Now, "[e]ssentially the budget is being used as a way to renegotiate last year's legislative package.” So much for civil discourse.