Gov. Chris Christie said he is exploring a plan to develop a school in each county that specializes in educating children with autism.
Responding to a question during a town hall meeting Thursday in Paramus, the governor said the idea has merit because it would offer a cost-effective alternative to cash-strapped communities trying to create their own special education curriculum for these students.
The idea, if developed, would also help families who have to research on their own which school district has the best program. The governor described the schools as "centers for excellence" in each county.
"The parents in this community know which districts are the best districts and they move to those districts," Christie said. "We’re having that kind of selection happen naturally so why don’t we just do it? I’ll be working with the new Commissioner of Education on that."
The news came as a welcome surprise to Linda Meyer, executive director of Autism New Jersey, a family advocacy and research group.
"We know the governor has prioritized education reform for everyone,’’ Meyer said. "It sounds like he is aiming for equality and access for all. He wants to increase access, not just those who live in certain zip codes.’’
Friday, January 14, 2011
Christie on Autism
The Newark Star-Ledger reports:
