Abbott v. Burke

Abbott versuses Burke dealt with predominately low-income and minority students and youngsters attend public schools and preschools in 31 poor urban communities across New Jersey. In the landmark Abbott IV (1997) and Abbott V (1998) rulings, the New Jersey Supreme Court ordered a set of education programs and reforms widely recognized to be the most fair and just in the nation. There are seven Abbott cases that went to the Supreme Court.

The framework that Abbott v Burke formed is rigorous content standards-based education, supported by per-pupil funding equal to spending in successful suburban schools. Universal, well-planned and high quality preschool education for all three- and four-year olds. Supplemental programs to address student and school needs attributed to high-poverty, including intensive early literacy, small class size and social and health services. New and rehabilitated facilities to adequately house all programs, relieve overcrowding, and eliminate health and safety violations. School and district reforms to improve curriculum and instruction, and for effective and efficient use of funds to enable students to achieve state standards. State accountability for effective and timely implementation, and to ensure progress in improving student achievement.

The goal of the Abbott programs and reforms goal is to give every child the opportunity to attain "his or her own place as a contributing member in society with the ability to compete with other citizens and to succeed in the economy." Education Law Center continues to advocate for improvements in student achievement by working to hold the State, districts and schools accountable for effective implementation of the Abbott programs and reforms.

No Child Left Behind Reading

The purpose of the No Child Left Behind is to examine the academic progress of students and the preformance of schools and their districts. Students in the 3rd to 8th grade get standard testing by the state every school year. If a school or district fails, then they have to suffer the consequences. This allows a parent to move their child to a school that shows progress and the schools that failed has to pay for the transportation. Teachers are rated twice a year by the state to make sure they are teaching the cirrulum the way the state wants them to. Teachers wrote down accommodations and as long as the objectives were included, a teacher had fulfilled the requirements to be rated proficient. The biggest test was in April and to prepare for this test there would be monthly tests that helped students prepare for it. When April came, students taking the tests were treated to breakfast every day, given snacks throughout the day, and offered activities instead of instruction in the afternoon. Special needs students were accommodated by one or two teachers' aides that were not called out of the session for any reason. There is so much emphasis is placed on testing, the focus of education is lost. Children wouldn't so much be taught to learn as they would be taught to pass a test. Also teachers would not be caled teachers anymore but rather testers. Stergios Botzakis engaged his students in small group activities and discussions. He told his students that the standardize tests were not the end for them, but they had to take these tests becuase it is used as gatekeepers for higher education. It is relevant for students to be vigilant and critical about the world that they are situated in. The point of education is to create environments where all children can experience the power of their own ideas.

Arts High School Orientation

I thought that the high school was really nice. It seemed like I high school that I would want to attend. All the teachers were really nice and so were the students. I enjoyed seeing the artwork throughout the school. These kids are extremely talented. I also enjoyed seeing the dance room and the broadcasting room. Our tour guide was really nice and a lot of fun to talk with. I would like to teach at the Arts High School one day because it makes you feel like your welcomed into the school and it is like one big family between the students and teachers.