Plants of China - free tour

Plants of China: A Friendship and Peace Exhibit and Cell Phone Tour

40.821409

-74.478709

primary

Plants of China: A Friendship and Peace Exhibit and Cell Phone Tour

Daily, 9:00am

53 E Hanover Ave, Morris Plains, NJ

/events/plants-of-china-a-friendship-and-peace-exhibit-and-cell-phone-tour

/locations/4331057

Posted in Parsippany Patch by Frank Giasone

• Where: Frelinghuysen Arboretum, 53 E Hanover Ave, Morris Plains, NJ 07950
• Date: Daily
• Time: 9:00am
• Next on: Tomorrow, May 26, 2011

• The Friends of the Frelinghuysen Arboretum are pleased to join UPS, Provident Bank Foundation and the Morris County Parks Commission in sponsoring the second part of "Plants of China: A Friendship and Peace Exhibit and Cell Phone Tour". This is one of many such programs at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum that provides visitors with extensive cultural and horticultural background of many of the Chinese transplants growing in all our gardens. The exhibit guide provides background horticultural information, as well as tour directions. Take the tour anytime throughout April and May of this year.

• Website: http://www.arboretumfriends.org/node/3

Montclair Art Homeschool Days 2011

All Montclair Art Museum Homeschool days (ages 4 - 13) are Thursdays, noon-2 p.m.

HOMESCHOOL DAY, 12 – 2 pm (different days for Ages 4 - 8 & 9– 13)
$6 per child. Adults $12. (FREE for ADULT members)

The Montclair Art Museum invites you and other Homeschooling families for a fun and educational afternoon. These two-hour programs will include a gallery tour and studio art project led by a Museum educator.

Ages 4 - 8

• March 16 - Portrait Painting I
• April 14 – Portrait Painting II
• May 18- Landscape Watercolor
• June 15 - 3D Design
  

Ages 9 - 13

• March 2 - Portrait Painting I
• April 6 – Portrait Painting I
• May 5 – Landscape Watercolor
• June 9 – 3D Design

Please RSVP to bbalsimelli@montclairartmuseum.org or (973) 259-5167.
(Note: if you are a member of channel 13, you might get a discount on admission)

To see this yourself or check for more dates, go to MAM's Family Program Page or call 973-746-5555 for more details.

President born in NJ

Grover Cleveland is the only US president born in New Jersey. His birthplace in Caldwell is often open on December 26th. Children are welcome. Admisssion is free.

On 2010, it was Sunday, December 26th 1-4pm. Local residents won't want to miss this annual opportunity to show off our town's treasured historic site to their visiting guests. This year the Grover Cleveland Birthplace will host their 11th annual Boxing Day Holiday Open House complete with a free souvenir boxed piece of fruit cake to take home after your visit. The Garden Club of the Caldwells has decorated the house in a festive old-fashioned holiday theme. Also featuring recorded music of the era.

The event is sponsored by the Grover Cleveland Birthplace Memorial Association, the New Jersey State Park Service volunteers, and the Birthplace staff. Also for last minute shoppers, we have museum-quality stocking stuffers for all ages at "Grover's Corner Shop". Conni Murray has been working harder than an elf on Christmas Eve hunting down outstanding items. The shop is well stocked with everything from tie-tacs and baseball caps featuring the Presidential Seal, clever t-shirts, playing cards, wooden toys, tree ornaments from the White House Historical Association, and more.

Grover Cleveland Birthplace NJ State Historic Site 207 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell, NJ 07006 Phone: 973-226-0001 www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/historic/grover_cleveland/gc_home.htm For directions, historic photos, and more, go to: clevelandbirthplace.org

2010 Faraday Lecture: Dec.10, 2010, Rutgers

ToadHaven homeschool blog reminded me how many have loved past Faraday lectures.

Thsi year's dates are out: December 10, 11, & 12, 2010, 7pm: Physics Lecture Hall, Rutgers

Busch Campus
136 Frelinghuysen Rd
Piscataway , NJ

Rutgers Physics Dept. presents this year's Farady lecture on December 10th, 11th & 12th.
>http://www.physics.rutgers.edu/~croft/FARADAY.HTML

In 1826, physicist Michael Faraday founded the Children's Christmas Lectures at London's Royal Institution. His goal was to communicate to children the excitement of scientific discovery. In keeping with the spirit of those lectures, Mark Croft, a professor of physics at Rutgers, and physics support specialist Dave Maiullo present a physics demonstration and lecture show for children of all ages each Dec. and on special occasions, like Rutgers Day . This event is held in the Physics Lecture Hall at 136 Frelinghuysen Road, on the Busch campus in Piscataway. Driving Directions The event is free of charge and open to the public. The demonstrations presented are based on those used in our physics courses. They were designed not just to inform but with an eye toward humor and exciting the imagination. The object of the show is to emphasize the fun in science. Demonstrations will include an exploding hydrogen balloon, a man lying on a bed of nails and the use of a fire extinguisher to shoot a person on roller skates across the room

State History Fair: May 7, 2011

Have you ever participated in a Revolutionary War military drill? Or
had the chance to plow a furrow? What about spinning wool on a real
spinning wheel? These are just a few of dozens of historical exhibits
and activities that will be featured when the "Spirit of the Jerseys
State History Fair" returns from a one-year hiatus in May 2011.

The History Fair will move from its previous home at Washington
Crossing State Park to a new venue at the Historic Village at Allaire,
Allaire State Park, Farmingdale, in Monmouth County. It will be held
on Saturday, May 7, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"New Jersey has such a rich and important history, and played such a
key role in the founding of our nation,'' said Department of
Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin. "We're pleased to
bring back this annual event to engage our residents and allow them to
experience and enjoy hundreds of years of our state's history in a
suitable and enjoyable setting."

The Spirit of the Jerseys State History Fair was first held in 2004 to
celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the creation of the New Jersey's historic
sites system. It proved very popular, drawing more than 5,000 visitors in
2009. In 2008, the History Fair received an award of recognition from the
New Jersey Historical Commission for its leadership role in promoting the
State's history.

The free event was cancelled this year due to limited resources. It will be
revived next year under the joint sponsorship of the DEP's Office of
Historic Sites and the non-profit Allaire Village Inc. Organizers believe
the new venue at Allaire will be a fitting site for historical groups to
showcase their town or community history and its importance to New Jersey.

"There was so much interest from exhibitors and park visitors that we felt
there was enough appeal to revive the fair," said Beverly Weaver,
supervisor of the DEP's Office of Historic Sites. "The fair helps
cultivate the public's awareness of New Jersey's history in a lively,
engaging way.''

The new setting at Allaire State Park is well-known for its historic 19th
century iron making town, the Howell Iron Works Company, and the antique
train that runs through it on the Pine Creek Railroad. Also, the Manasquan
River winds through the park, which is a habitat for a wide variety of
wildflowers, trees, plants, birds and other wildlife.

Some groups, already registered to participate in the 2011 History Fair,
include the Genealogical Society of New Jersey, New Jersey State Archives,
Montclair Historical Society, Alice Paul Institute, New Jersey Civil War
Heritage Association, New Jersey Lighthouse Society, Monmouth Battlefield
State Park, New Jersey Scout Museum, Egg Harbor City Historical Society
and the Wool Merchant's Daughter.

Weaver also said visitors will be able to meet Civil War "veterans," observe
open-hearth cooking and explore the craft of blacksmithing. There will
even be paranormal investigators from the Shore Paranormal Research
Society of Toms River, who will detail work they have done at some
historic locations in New Jersey.

Also among activities that visitors can experience is a period baseball
game. Next year's fair will once again feature the Flemington Neshanocks,
a 19th century baseball club. They will play the Elizabeth Resolutes using
1864 rules. Players will wear uniforms and use equipment that reflects
this time period.

For continuous updates on the 2011 Spirit of the Jerseys State History Fair
visit: www.njhistoryfair.org.

For general questions, call (732) 919-3500. If you're interested in
participating as an exhibitor, you can apply electronically at the fair's
website or call (609) 777-0238.

Petty's Run & Old Barracks in Trenton

The future of Petty's Run in Trenton is uncertain, although it seems the state has money earn-marked only for this archaeological site. Article from 27 Nov. 2010: Lt. Gov Guadagno wants archeological dig on NJ statehouse lawn buried. Angry preservationists charge she considers New Jersey historic site an ‘eyesore'. By Tom Herster Sr. NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

For more on Petty's Run, visit: http://www.pettysrun.org/

The rest of this is on the nearby Old Barracks Museum.

Special Events "Patriot's Week": Dec 26 & 28 in 2010.

The Old Barracks is located in downtown Trenton, next to the New Jersey State House, and is easily accessible. Parking information is provided by Trenton Downtown Association.

As of November 2010, the Old Barracks is open every day (except Thanksgiving, Dec, 24, 25, Jan 1st & Easter) from 10 am - 5pm, providing tours for small groups and individuals. (For groups of more than 15, please call ahead.) $8 for adults; $6 for seniors & Students with IDs. NJ TRANSIT offers service on the River Line to Trenton Station and can connect with any Capital Connection bus (601, 606, 608, 609) for service to the Old Barracks Museum. Passengers should get off at West State Street, far side of the Willow Street bus stop and walk 1/2 block south to the museum. Visit www.njtransit.com or call 973-275-5555.

History of the Old Barracks

Montclair Art Homeschool Days 2010

All Montclair Art Museum Homeschool days (ages 4 - 13) are Thursdays, noon-2 p.m.
HOMESCHOOL DAY, 12 – 2 pm (Ages 4 – 13)
$6 per child. Adults $12.
(FREE for ADULT members)

The Montclair Art Museum invites you and other Homeschooling families for a fun and educational afternoon. These two-hour programs will include a gallery tour and studio art project led by a Museum educator.

• December 9 - Charcoal Drawing: Capturing Shadow and Light
• January 19 - Printmaking
• February 10 - Mixed Media
• March 16 - Portrait Painting I
• April - Portrait Painting II
• May 18 - Landscape Watercolor
• June 9 - 3D Design

Please RSVP to bbalsimelli@montclairartmuseum.org or (973) 259-5167.
(Note: if you are a member of channel 13, you might get a discount on admission)

To see this yourself or check for more dates, go to MAM's Family Program Page or call 973-746-5555 for more details.

Scientists Make Dinosaur Find at NJ Construction Site

Scientists Make Dinosaur Find at NJ Construction Site By MICHAEL HOROWICZ   Here’s one that will get kids and scientists all over the world very excited. A well preserved fossil of a dinosaur footprint was just found at a construction site in Clifton, New Jersey.  Three big toes of a dinosaur from the Jurassic era can be seen on the rock that's about the size of a small car.  The foot fossil will be removed from the site of the new Four Seasons at Great Notch residential complex, currently under construction in the Woodland park section of Clifton, later today by volunteers and taken to the Museum of the State of New Jersey. It will be examined by scientists at a museum facility in Trenton.  Doug Fenichel of developer K. Hovnanian Homes, tells NBC New York that his firm is working with the museum “to strike a delicate balance between preserving our history and the progress of a new community.”  Both groups plan to hold a news conference to show off the fossil before it is taken to Trenton.  Dinosaur footprint is discovered at Clifton construction site 

Walking Tour of the AT&T “Pole Farm”: 10/23/2010

Free Historical Walking Tour of the AT&T “Pole Farm”
Lawrence & Hopewell Townships, Mercer County
by Lawrence Historical Society ( http://www.thelhs.org/ ) Saturday, October 23, 11a.m.

This is a free event but pre-registration is required. To register, visit http://bit.ly/d4NMyu.
This is expected to be 1-2 hours, 1.75 mile.

The 800-acre "Pole Farm" section of Mercer County Park Northwest began the 20th century as farmland, but then was converted by AT&T into what
was for several decades the world's largest shortwave transmitting station, with more than 2,000 poles supporting antennas carrying phone
calls to cities around the world. However, by the close of the century it had reverted to open parkland set aside for passive recreation, one
of the few major 20th century industrial sites in New Jersey to have vanished almost completely. Join Lawrence Township Historian Dennis
Waters for a walking tour to learn about this important story in the history of communications and to visit several locations where traces
of the past can still be seen.

About the walk: We will meet at the "pole" near the Federal City Road entrance to the park at 11:00 a.m. sharp and walk to the parking area
near the Keefe Road entrance. This will be a leisurely 1.75-mile walk on well-maintained trails over generally flat terrain, though you
should be prepared for possible wet or muddy spots and there is one small stream crossing. We may wander a short distance off the trail
once or twice. Plan on two hours, but longer if you need to walk the 1.75 miles back to your car. If you do not want to walk back, you are
encouraged to carpool and leave a car at each end. Please note that there are no restroom facilities at the park.

The rain date is Sunday, October 24th, same time.

METC: Educator Hours!

METC Educator Workshop in Madison, NJ
Thursday, October 21st 4 PM - 6 PM
The Museum will host a workshop for educators, which will provide teachers with two hours of Continuing Education Units and will feature crafts and history-based lesson ideas for the classroom. Advanced registration required, call 973-377-2982 x12. $10 Admission, fee waived for the first 10 who book an educational program.
Educators are requested to RSVP; however, drop-ins are permitted on a first-come-first-served basis.

RSVP to Meg Wastie, Education Coordinator,
at (973) 377-2982, ext. 12 or by email to schools@metc.org.

Weekends - Morris County Parks

Cooper Gristmill

à Saturday, October 16^th, Celebrate Apples
Visitors can assist with cider pressing as it was done in 1880s Milltown/ Chester. They can use a hand-cranked apple peeler, and decorate an apple. Time: 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Location: Cooper Gristmill. Cost: FREE. Donation appreciated.

à Saturday, October 30, A Miller’s Halloween
For a fun-filled afternoon, enjoy spooky storytelling at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Come in costume if you’d like! Create corn husk dolls, color pumpkins, and play old time games. Time: 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Location: Cooper Gristmill. Cost: FREE. Donation appreciated.

Fosterfields Farm

à Saturday, October 16, “Amaizing” Corn is Popping
Come to the Farmhouse and help make popcorn. Vintage utensils and the wood burning stove will be used. Lean about the different types of corn (maize). Time: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Location: Fosterfields. Cost: Admission.

à Saturday, October 23, Cider Pressing: A “Must” See!
Watch the apple cider press in action as it produces the popular drink called “must.” After seeing the demonstration, enjoy a sample of non-alcoholic cider. Time: 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Location: Fosterfields. Cost: Admission.

à Sunday, October 24, Family Activity Center: Pumpkin Decorating
Families are invited to select and decorate a pumpkin with natural plant materials to take home. At the farm, play old-fashioned games with a Halloween theme. Parental supervision required. Time: 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Location: Fosterfields. Cost: Admission.

Homeschool Aquarium Days (Camden,NJ)

Camden's Adventure Aquarium is offering homeschool weeks --- where you get the group rate discount, even if you're going with just you & yours on any of these dates:
Dates Available:
September 13th - 17th
October 4th - 8th
November 15th - 19th
December 13th - 17th
Pricing: $11.00/person

*All prices do not include additional 7% NJ State tax. However, advanced reservations are required. Please complete their order form and mail/fax with payment at least 10 days prior to chosen date. Walk-up customers will receive regular admission prices.

Lunchroom reservations can only be made for groups of 15 or more. Please plan ahead and complete a reservation request form and a representative will contact you within 1-2 business days.

Interested in adding a film from our 4D Theater to your visit? Click here to learn about all of the movies now playing in the 4D Theater.

Advance reservations are required. All orders must be in ten (10) days prior to your requested visitation date. No orders will be taken over the phone. The above admission rate applies to orders made in advance only. Walk-up customers will receive regular admission prices. Thank You!

Adventure Aquarium
1 Aquarium Drive
Camden, NJ 08103
P: 856.365.3300 x.7544
F: 856.365.3311

UACNJ observatory at Jenny Jump

The United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey (UACNJ) operate an observatory in Jenny Jump State Park in Hope, NJ.

Public programs are offered every Saturday evening from April through October. These programs begin at 8 PM with a lecture on an astronomy-related topic and include observing with the 16” Greenwood telescope if the weather cooperates. Lectures are held rain or shine. Star-gazing until 10:30, weather permitting.

See www.uacnj.org for more information.

Upcoming programs (for the latest, see their website):

- 10/16 - Getting started in Astronomy

United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey operates an observatory in Jenny Jump State Forest off Far View Road in Hope Township. Public programs are offered every Saturday evening from April through October. These programs begin at 8 PM with a lecture on an astronomy-related topic and include observing with the 16” Greenwood telescope if the weather cooperates. Lectures are held rain or shine.

For more information, see www.uacnj.org or contact Diane at jefferfamily@gmail.com.

All ages are welcome to attend. See the latest schedule under "Public programs".

Past Programs included:

• Buying or Building a Telescope - Finding our how to get your own telescope
• Astrophotography - An amateur astronomer takes you on a photographic tour of his universe.
• The Latest Findings in Astronomy - Our present understanding of the celestial phenomena in our Cosmos.

If you have an interest in astronomy or just need an excuse to get out on a Saturday night, UACNJ is seeking adult volunteers (observers) to help with these public programs. Observers help with all aspects of the public program – directing cars for parking, setting up a/v equipment for the speaker, handling sales of astronomy books and trinkets, preparing the lecture hall, etc. – and need not have a vast knowledge of astronomy. Those who are interested can train to become qualified to use the Greenwood telescope.

See www.uacnj.org for more information.

If someone wants to arrange for a private session (lecture and observing) for a homeschool group, this can be done for a nominal fee (probably $3 per person). If you are interested in something like this, please let Diane Jeffer know (jefferfamily@gmail.com) and he will put you in touch with the appropriate person.

CCM's Longo Planetarium

CCM's planetarium has been renovated & renamed & re-opened!!

Next public shows: August 13, 2010, 7:00 pm

August 14, 2010, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm & 5 pm

Peer deep into space through the eyes of the orbiting Hubble Space Telescope and travel back billions of years to witness the birth of our universe. On this breathtaking excursion you'll witness the formation of galaxies and explore some of the most wondrous nebulae and astronomical structures yet discovered. As your travels continue, you'll fly deep into our own Milky Way galaxy and return home to Earth on a spectacular tour through the solar system.

Cohen Hall building is currently being renovated which could affect the air conditioning in the Longo Planetarium. Our apologies for any inconvenience.

CCM Planetarium admission prices for their monthly programs look the same as in 2007 & 2008!

$5 for adults, $4 for CCM students/faculty/staff and seniors,
$3 for kids 12 and under

Liberty Science Homeschool Days

The Liberty Science Center will be Hosting a more Home School Days.

September 28, 2010,
February 8, 2011

Give your child in-depth science knowledge through Liberty Science Center's hands-on experiences. For more information, please contact Ruben Rosario at 201.253.1533 or rrosario@lsc.org.

In the past special pricing has been arranged for the Home School groups attending that day. Group Rate Cost: $10.50 per Child/ $5.00 for accompanying adult

Your students can travel to fascinating lands, through amazing ecosystems and even back in time with eye-popping films shown on the nation's largest IMAX Dome screen. You'll all feel a part of the action! You can also choose a 3-D experience in the Joseph D. Williams 3-D theater. Check the website for movies and times http://www.lsc.org

FREE: Your class will enjoy Free Live Science Demonstrations and Labs they can participate in throughout the day. See the website for the variety we offer, and check at the Welcome Desk for the schedule that day.

Lunch : we have space for you to bring your own, and a full service café to
select on the spot.

They look forward to seeing you soon!

for more information, visit their website or contact: Mary McDonald
Director, Group Sales & Telemarketing
Liberty Science Center
(T) 201-253-1214
(F) 201-434-6100
(mailto:mmcdonald@lsc.org)

Two and under are free for the exhibits only. We have a wonderful area on our second floor that was created with the younger children in mind. I Explore is a restricted area for children under 5 years of age and it is wonderful! They will touch, play and learn all on their level…. A Great Area! The IMAX Theater is one area that we do not recommend until a child is about 5. However it is up to the parent discretion.

Homeschool Days - NJ

at least the following places have special homescholing days at their sites in NJ:

1. Liberty Science Museum, NJ

2. Camden Aquarium, Camden, NJ
   
   
3. Historic Speedwell, Morristown
   
   
4. Sculpture Garden
   

Industrial Metal Crafts Day : Aug 7th, Chester

at Cooper Mill, Chester, NJ
Sunday, August 7th, 1 - 4 PM

Enjoy demonstrations of industrial metal crafts by blacksmith Kevin Perry, tinsmith George Pierson, and tin piercing with Frank and Anita Mai. Visitors will find out how these skills were important to the colonial people. Those who attend can make a tin-pierced ornament to take home. Donations are greatly appreciated.

For more information please call: Cooper Gristmill - 908-879-5463

The 1826 Cooper Gristmill provides a glimpse into the rich heritage of Milltown. In the late 19th century, the town thrived; the restored and operational gristmill is one of the few survivors of that era. The gristmill is open to the general public May through October when guided tours of the mill as well as a variety of educational programs and demonstrations are offered. From April through June and from September to mid-November, the mill is available for pre-scheduled school tours.

Did the Dig: (Roman) Egypt

Are you ready for the next Egypt dig? Week of October 4th , Tuesday to Friday.

Stop by the Metropolitan Museum of Art & look at the (Roman) Egypt, read some books -- or not. Your kids will still learn a ton from this archaeology (day) camp.

"Do the Dig" in October 2010 at a location in Blairstown, NJ in Warren County.

For more information on the dig please visit Geof's website http://www.dothedig.net . Or, use the labels on the side to see other descriptions. (The Met museum's website is http://www.metmuseum.org/ .

If you have any questions or are interested in participating please email Natashia < kruse@ptd.net > ASAP so she can have a headcount. (There might be spaces in Ancient India dig in Tweksbury... the last week of June.)

HS Terrapin Watch

Sedge Island Natural Resource Education Center Friday to Sunday, June 11-­13, 2010

This 3­ day program is for homeschoolers interested in New Jersey's breeding terrapin population. In addition to collecting real­-world data on arriving terrapin, participants will learn about wetland ecology, wildlife biology (both game and non­-game species), coastal geomorphology, human impact on fragile salt marshes, and the history of New Jersey's barrier islands. There will also be great opportunities for kayaking, seining, and learning about breeding oyster­ catchers & the Re­claim the Bay programs.

During the three­ day/two­ night workshop you will stay in the Sedge House, a renovated duck-hunting lodge, which is equipped with a common room, 7 bunk-rooms (you will have to share a room), a full kitchen and dining room. As part of the experience, you will live a conservation ethic. Fresh water is limited (we transport bottled water from the mainland) as is electricity­ a solar generator provides power. Grey water from sinks and showers is treated in a special grey­water system and sewage is composted in a Clivus Multrum composting toilet.

This program is open to home school students ages 10­-16 years old. Parents may attend, but must participate in the program. The cost of this three­-day program is $70 per adult, $55 per student. SPACE IS LIMITED, with a maximum of 14 participants. A non­refundable deposit of $50 is required to secure your space. The cost includes transportation to and from the island, instruction, equipment and facility use. Participants must provide their own meals and bedding.

REGISTRATION IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE.

Each family will be responsible for the food and preparation of one meal for the group during your the stay. On site, there is a gas range stove, refrigerator, a gas grill and a quick steamer for preparing the day's harvest, as well as all the cooking utensils you may need.

Registration deadline and $50 deposit is June 1, 2010. For more information or to register, contact Liz Jackson at (908) 637­4125 or send an email to ejackson@dep.state.nj.us. You can also visit www.njfishandwildlife.com/sedge.htm

Liz Jackson, Senior Public Information Assistant NJDEP Division of Fish & Wildlife Pequest Trout Hatchery 605 Pequest Road Oxford, NJ 07863 Phone: (908) 637­4125 Fax: (908) 637­-6735

The Cartel: Movie Viewing in NJ

The Cartel http://www.thecartelmovie.com/cgi-local/content.cgi?g=22

"NJ Swing" of the tour April 20 - 29. This is NOT a homeschooling issue, this is an education issue.

The Crisis | Only 35 percent of American high school seniors are proficient readers. Only 23 percent are proficient in math. Nationwide, only 74 percent of ninth graders graduate within four years—and that number drops to about 50 percent for black and Hispanic students.
Twelve percent of American high schools are "dropout factories"—schools where less than 60 percent of freshmen even make it to their senior year. It comes as no surprise, then, that America lags far behind other developed countries when it comes to schooling: Among large industrialized countries, America ranks last in educational effectiveness—despite spending the most.

The conventional wisdom says that our schools could be dramatically improved with better funding. If we would only "invest in education", the argument goes, our children would have a better future—particularly in urban areas, where leaky roofs, under-qualified teachers, and outdated textbooks are all too common

And so the last few decades have brought an explosion of education spending, enthusiastically approved by local school boards and state legislatures and generally supported by taxpayers. That's the moral cover under which our public school system wastes and steals billions of
dollars every year.

New Jersey offers a dramatic instance of this corruption and improvidence. After New York, no other state spends as much per pupil—but the Garden State has very little to show for its investment. Spending can exceed $400,000 per classroom, and yet only 39 percent of the state's eighth-graders are proficient or advanced readers, and only 40 percent of its eighth-graders are proficient or advanced in math. Of new high school graduates attending the state's community colleges, nearly 80 percent require remediation. More than three quarters of New Jersey's high schools have been warned that they may be placed on the state's list of failing schools. And the problem is not one of inadequate funding: Some of the worst schools receive—and squander—the most money.

This costly, unconscionable failure forms the subject of The Cartel."