| Abbott
Preschool Program |
| 1987
|
The
Abbott plaintiffs prove at trial that disadvantaged students
begin school as much as two years behind their suburban peers.
|
| June
1990 |
In
Abbott II,
the NJ Supreme Court declares education
"unconstitutional" in 30 urban school districts and
orders remedial measures, including preschool, to "wipe
out disadvantages as much as a school district can."
|
| 1996
|
State
provides funding for preschool to Abbott districts and to 98
other districts serving disadvantaged students. |
| 1997
|
In
Abbott IV, the NJ Supreme Court declares preschool funding unconstitutional
in the Abbott districts because the State failed to establish
the adequacy of such funding. |
| 1998
|
The
NJ Supreme Court in Abbott V orders and defines "well-planned,
high quality preschool" in the Abbott communities.
|
| 1999-2000
|
State
fails to implement preschool as ordered by the Abbott V ruling.
|
| 2000
|
In
Abbott VI, the NJ Supreme Court redirects the State to implement
preschool as ordered in Abbott V and gives more detail on the
meaning of "well planned" and "high quality"
preschool. |
| May
2000-2001 |
State
fails to implement preschool as required by the Abbott VI ruling.
|
| October
2001 |
The
NJ Supreme Court issues a Scheduling Order establishing a timetable
for decisions by the Commissioner and Department of Education
on Abbott district preschool plans, budgets and administrative
appeals. |
| February
2002 |
In
Abbott VIII, the NJ Supreme Court further clarifies several
systemic issues, including enrollment, substantive educational
standards and facilities, and redirects State implementation.
|
| February
2002 |
Education
Law Center agrees to work collaboratively with McGreevey administration
to improve program implementation and compliance with the Abbott
preschool rulings. |
