New Jersey educators hear outspoken vouchers critic University of North Carolina professor heads opposition movement, speaks at the NJEA Friday, November 09, 2007 • BY JOHN MOONEY • Star-Ledger Staff The lines were longer for a workshop on artwork in Spanish class and another on strategies for diverse classrooms, but the afternoon session at the New Jersey Education Association's convention yesterday certainly had the most provocative title: "The Truth About Vouchers in New Jersey." The teachers union has staunchly opposed vouchers in any form and so far kept them out of New Jersey. Yesterday, the NJEA sought to further rouse the troops by enlisting Walter Farrell Jr., a University of North Carolina professor who helped draft the first voucher law in Wisconsin before turning outspoken critic. The teachers attending were even provided potential credits toward the state's professional development requirements, with Farrell's talk dubbed as an academic policy discussion. But Farrell didn't soften his time-worn presentation about what he saw as the sinister money trail and politics behind the voucher movement, nationally and in New Jersey. Farrell described funding from conservative foundations led by the Walton and Bradley families that have helped spawn and sustain voucher programs in Wisconsin and Florida, among others. Using flow charts of more familiar state legislators and others from New Jersey, he said politicians backing vouchers in this state were equally beholden to them. "You'll find the same names, not just in New Jersey but giving in Wisconsin, giving in Florida, giving in California," he said. So far, such voucher efforts have been unsuccessful in New Jersey. One class-action suit demanding vouchers be available for children in low-performing schools was recently dismissed, and a bill seeking tax credits for public and private school "scholarships" has languished in the Legislature. But Farrell predicted another push was coming soon. "The question is will this assault on public education be stopped," he said. About 40 people sat through the two-hour talk, including a mix of NJEA local leaders and a few who said they were just curious about the topic. Frances Diamente, a veteran Franklin Township elementary school teacher, said she worried any voucher program would draw money from public schools. "But I'm fresh to new ideas," she said. "It's 2007. Maybe we need to look to things that might have worked elsewhere." Others were quicker to oppose, and said they only hardened after hearing Farrell. "The whole movement is more entrenched than I ever fathomed," South Plainfield teacher Rebecca Gross said during a break. "It's not a huge issue here yet, but it could be like a domino effect across other states." The union provided certificates to teachers in attendance that can be counted toward the state requirement of 100 hours of professional development for every five years. Local districts still must approve the credits for each teacher, but NJEA officials didn't balk at describing the value for their members. "There is a historical perspective to vouchers, and Dr. Farrell certainly has the background to give it," said NJEA President Joyce Powell. "It is a hot topic of the day, and teachers need to be aware." Speaking of history, Elizabeth High School teacher Alicia Parker recalled when the idea of vouchers first surfaced in New Jersey decades ago. "In Elizabeth, there are more pressing problems in the schools," she said. "It's amazing to me after all these years that vouchers are still on the table." © 2007 The Star-Ledger. Used by NJ.com with permission.