Cardinale Issues Statement on New Teacher Evaluation Standards

I welcome the Governor’s announcement of the new teacher evaluation standards.  It recognizes what I believe are two fundamental truths concerning education in New Jersey and the United States.

First, there is nothing in our education system more valuable than an exceptional teacher. Educators who are committed to developing young minds to their fullest potential must be rewarded and recognized. Conversely, poor teachers merely putting in time can impede a child’s development significantly. The mediocre and substandard teachers must be weeded out.

Second, there are far too many children trapped in failing school districts.  In an era where educational achievement is the best predictor of success throughout life, failing schools must be eliminated.

Money alone is not the answer.  As the Governor stated very clearly in his state of the State address, ‘We must end the myth that more money equals better achievement. It is a failed legal theory— and we can no longer waste our children's time or the public's money waiting for it to finally work.’ We have been abusing our taxpayers for thirty years; trying to get this theory to work, it hasn’t. It is insane to continue down this path.

Additionally and perhaps most importantly, parents and community organizations need to increase their involvement in local schools.  Parents and leaders must insist on superior performance from the school, educators and students.  The teacher’s union will resist these ideas, like all institutions it is resistant to change, even when the change is widely recognized as a necessary improvement.  However, these criteria must be met to provide our young people with the tools needed to thrive in the 21st century. There is no alternative.

--State Senator Gerald Cardinale, District 39