This article introduces a conversation with Brett Peiser, named chief executive officer of "Uncommon Schools" in July of 2012, along with the principal of North Star Academy Vailsburg Middle School, a charter school in Newark, New Jersey's West Ward. There is no doubt that "Uncommon Schools" has given thousands of low-income…

Describes the essential characteristics, development, implementation, and anticipated benefits of an innovative New Jersey program that will allow local districts to hire and train for certification prospective teachers who have college degrees and subject area expertise. (PGD)

Although states have maintained a focus on recruiting and retaining teachers, many schools and districts still face daunting challenges in ensuring a qualified and competent teaching corps. It is particularly difficult for schools considered hard to staff-those with high concentrations of low-performing, low-income students; high teacher turnover;…

This New Jersey edition of the National Council on Teacher Quality's (NCTQ's) 2009 "State Teacher Policy Yearbook" is the third annual look at state policies impacting the teaching profession. It is hoped that this report will help focus attention on areas where state policymakers can make changes that will have a positive impact on…

A 3-DAY CONFERENCE WAS HELD AT PRINCETON UNIVERSITY TO DEFINE GOALS, IDENTIFY OBSTACLES, AND SUGGEST MEANS THROUGH WHICH SUPERIOR EDUCATION COULD BE MADE AVAILABLE TO ALL AMERICANS REGARDLESS OF TALENT OR POSITION IN THE STRATIFICATION SYSTEM. SEVEN SESSIONS EMPHASIZED A WIDE RANGE OF FACTORS IN THE SCHOOL AND SOCIETY THAT INFLUENCE QUALITY AND…

The "State Teacher Policy Yearbook" examines what is arguably the single most powerful authority over the teaching profession: state government. This New Jersey edition of the National Council on Teacher Quality's (NCTQ's) "State Teacher Policy Yearbook" is the first of what will be an annual look at the status of state…

Considers the potential of alternative route preparation and teacher certification programs for meeting the needs of urban schools by examining the Provisional Teacher Program in New Jersey and the experiences of 75 elementary school teachers, 24 secondary school English teachers, and 30 secondary school mathematics teachers over 4 years. (SLD)

One of the greatest challenges for the Unites States as a nation, and for Paterson, NJ in particular, is how to attract and retain academically and pedagogically talented teachers for urban schools--teachers who are committed to remain in those schools to do the difficult, long-term work of reform and renewal. This work is critical if urban…

A comprehensive plan is provided to support and strengthen New Jersey's 16 independent colleges and universities. Five major challenges that these institutions and the state must collaboratively confront are discussed: strengthening the quality of collegiate education; keeping New Jersey economically competitive in national and world markets;…