With NCLB Waiver, N.J. Lays Out Turnaround Plans

State intends to set up regional centers

As many states embark on implementing their waivers from the federal No Child Left Behind Act, New Jersey is taking an approach centered on the creation of seven Regional Achievement Centers that will monitor and intervene in the state’s lowest-performing schools, which ultimately could be subject to closure by the state.

The state has a long and controversial history of taking direct control of districts like those in Jersey City and Paterson. But this time New Jersey officials say they have struck the right balance between state-driven priorities and the development of approaches that mesh with each struggling school’s needs.

The plan revolves around the use of advanced interventions at the individual school level. Such possible interventions include revamping curriculum, installing a full-time data specialist at a low-performing school, and redesigning the use of the school day to require more student learning time. It also gives the state the power to close schools that...