Education Law Center has published "Implementing Abbott v. Burke: A Guide to the K-12 Abbott Regulations." The guide is designed for advocates, parents, educators and other stakeholders working to improve implementation of the Abbott adequacy framework, and to sustain progress in improving student achievement in New Jersey’s high poverty urban school districts.

The Guide presents the state code governing the Abbott education reforms, including standards-based reform, early and middle grade literacy and the new secondary school initiative set to begin September 2005.The guide also analyzes the regulatory framework for supplemental (at-risk) programs and services; capacity building and leadership; State and district accountability; parent and community engagement; and other key areas.

Each section of the Guide includes comments on the specific regulation, and a list of "critical issues" that need to be addressed in the coming year. The Guide also links to additional resources, including the "Abbott Implementation Resource Guides" published by ELC in 2004.

The Guide is also a useful resource tor those working to advance an education adequacy and equity framework in other states, either through legislation or litigation.

Prepared: March 4, 2005