NEWARK -- Attorneys for urban school children responded to the Supreme Court’s Order issued today in the Abbott v. Burke case.

The Court has ordered the parties -- ELC and the NJDOE – to "participate" in mediation before Appellate Division Judge Philip S. Carchman. Judge Carchman has been directed by the Court to resolve disputes over the recent application by the DOE to reduce funding to the Abbott districts, and to eliminate specific programs and reforms ordered in the Court’s landmark Abbott V (1998) decision.

ELC, along with numerous Abbott districts, the New Jersey Education Association and the Newark Teachers Union, opposes the DOE’s request. ELC has presented evidence refuting the DOE claim that the Abbott programs aren’t working, including data showing Abbott schools are making significant gains since 1999, especially in literacy.

"We are encouraged by this action," said David Sciarra, ELC Executive Director. "Court supervised mediation is an excellent way for the parties to air their differences. Hopefully, this process will reaffirm the historic Abbott rulings, and lead to cooperative action to improve the education of children in our cities.

"We must build upon the recent gains in our urban schools," Mr. Sciarra said. "The students depend on us to ensure effective delivery of the Abbott programs and reforms."

ELC serves as counsel to the 350,000 three-year old to twelfth graders who attend school in the 30 Abbott districts.