Monica Yant Kinney: Christie's softer education-reform approach

By Monica Yant Kinney Inquirer Columnist Nine months into 2011, you may be startled to learn this is the year of education reform in New Jersey. Especially if you moved here for the schools. Sure, the Garden State leads the nation in graduating high school seniors. But because we're at or near the top of less desirable lists - property taxes, urban poverty, functionally illiterate Jersey Shore cast members as TV spokespeople - Gov. Christie made overhauling education a signature priority. Smart move, considering it's the rare...