AM News: USDE Gives Out Merit Pay Money

NJ: Gov. Christie, on eve of Oprah appearance, says Newark schools 'in dire need':  Gov. Chris Christie today sharply criticized the state of education in Newark as he prepared for today's appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show to announce an unprecedented shakeup and cash infusion to the state's largest school district... Education Dept. grants $442M for teacher merit pay AP:  The Education Department is giving school districts and nonprofit organizations from across the country $442 million to create merit pay programs for teachers and principals... Ed. Dept. Announces Teacher Incentive Fund Grant Winners EdWeek:  The winning school districts, nonprofit groups, and state education organizations get a combined total of $442 million...  U. of Ill. denies William Ayers emeritus status AP:  The University of Illinois on Thursday denied 1960s radical William Ayers emeritus faculty status after trustees Chairman Christopher Kennedy noted Ayers dedicated a book to, among others, the man who killed Kennedy's father, Robert F. Kennedy... Education in U.S. gets big screen close up AP:  There are no fewer than four education documentaries slated for release by the end of this year.