Elections have consequences

by: Adam L

Wed Jan 13, 2010 at 02:52:00 PM EST

Sure, it may not have always been approached or framed in the best way, but one of the biggest signature issues that Corzine was proud of was that of education.  Early childhood education, higher standards, improving and updating schools are just a few of the numerous accomplishments and tangible results achieved - and test scores that are near tops in the country.

These accomplishments were called "failed education policies" by Christie:

"Whatever the Supreme Court did on funding formulas for him today does not excuse the failed education policies of this governor,"

Both Christie and Schundler have very different views on education than Corzine does.  We already know that Christie thinks that early childhood education is no more than "babysitting".  And for those who forgot, Christie has already committed to stop funding early childhood education for all but the Abbott school districts.  Both Christie and Schundler are proponents of vouchers - a long-controversial program.   Schundler has been one of the biggest proponents of this system (even writing about it in 2000), and is in a position to push NJ down this path.

The biggest problem with this is the numerous evaluations that indicate a lower level of performance at charter schools than traditional public schools.

This won't be the last time that the consequence of a Governor Christie will be apparent.  Christie campaigned on an economic and social agenda that, on the most basic level (and I say this because he offered few details but gave an idea on a very high level) was very different from Corzine.  He hasn't even been sworn in yet and we will soon see just how different it is - and what it means to the education, health and economic situation of New Jerseyans.