Star-Ledger file photoGov. Chris Christie speaks with Star-Ledger editorial page editor Tom Moran about education reform in New Jersey.

If you judge by average tests scores, New Jersey has one of the nation’s best public education systems. But if you zero in on the failing urban districts, the need for reform is compelling.

That’s going to create spark in the next few months in Trenton, as the Democratic Legislature considers Gov. Chris Christie’s reform plan.

Christie discussed it last week with Star-Ledger Editorial Page Editor Tom Moran. An edited transcript appears below.

(Note: The Opportunity Scholarship Act, referred to below, would provide vouchers for students in some failing districts to attend private schools, even those with religious affiliations.)

Q. Do you think education reform is the most important fight of the coming year?

A. Probably.

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