NJ lawmakers focus on urban education 01/07/10

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey lawmakers are listening to ideas on how to improve urban education.

The Assembly Education Committee heard Monday from national experts on how to best address the needs of low-income students.

Committee Chairman Joe Cryan says the emphasis is on finding more opportunities for city students.

Incoming Gov. Chris Christie campaigned on a promise of improving urban education and has vowed to make the issue a priority in his new administration.

He accused Gov. Jon Corzine of not moving fast enough to approve charter school applications. Cryan says while charter schools are often successful, about a quarter fail.

Meanwhile, the Assembly Appropriations Committee is considering a bill to expand a pilot school choice program.

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