Newark Reform: Behind Closed Doors

From Bob Braun of the Star-Ledger:

NEWARK — The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the wealthiest charities in the world, will use Newark to develop a system that could use student test score data to evaluate teachers. But no one beyond a small circle of wealthy entrepreneurs and some politicians know what’s about to happen in the city’s schools.

Some people believe that’s a good thing, arguing the private money will improve schooling in a system beset by problems. Others, like former Newark superintendent Marion Bolden, believe it’s an "audacious experiment with Newark’s children — a hijacking."

You might think that that small circle of entrepreneurs and politicians would include the interim superintendent - but you'd be wrong:

"I have some questions about that money," says Deborah Terrell, Newark’s interim superintendent. "I don’t know anything about it. I was never told about it."

Do read the full article here.