Gov. Chris Christie says his administration has developed a new system for reviewing and rating school performance for the state's annual schools report card.

School districts will be classified in to one of three categories; "focus schools," the worst, followed by "priority schools," and the best will be called "reward" schools.

The reviews will compare schools to others with similar demographics, take into account performance on state tests over time, look at how well-prepared for college students are and at the achievement gaps between high- and low-income students.

The new system was outlined in the state's application for a waiver from some requirements in No Child Left Behind law, which critics say is too rigid and sets unrealistic standards.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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