I know some schools in North Carolina have already shut down. For some it is a big relief for others a massive juggling act has begun. No matter what we shouldn’t downplay the virus upon us, or the impact of schools shutting down. Currently, the CDC guidelines, caution total school closures. Many of my social …
On Tuesday, I gathered with teachers and other allies of education at the North Carolina General Assembly. The question of the day was centered in the Senate. Would the Democrats stay 21 strong, or would the Senate override the governor’s veto? However, there was another bill in the House that needs our attention too. Because …
It was an incredible honor to be asked to part of a Governor Cooper’s roundtable discussion on education. Being a parent sometimes it is hard to get a seat at those important tables. Parents are often left out or don’t even know they can speak out. At the roundtable, I spoke about the shared …
There has been fabulous reporting educators like Justin Parmenter and Stu Egan on the implantation of Istation. A lot has been in the news and happening with this new computer based assessment tool. I’m simply going to try and summarize. First, how did we get here? Well it shouldn’t be shocking to anyone that this …
On May 1st, educators in North Carolina have called for a day of action. They have highlighted five main issues that they’d like to see addressed this budget cycle. As a parent, I will be marching with them. We are in the midst of a public education crisis and it is time to demand better. …
The announcement essentially gives flexible state supply money directly to teachers instead of to districts. Each teacher will receive about $400 each to spend on classroom supplies according to the press conference.
While we often talk about fully funding our public schools, we don’t often talk about fully funding our families. Strong families make even stronger students, schools, and communities. One way to support strong families is to advocate for Medicaid expansion in North Carolina. While many or our children are covered by current Medicaid, most of …
It is School Choice Week in North Carolina. I’m seeing phrases like, “failing public schools” on twitter by some of school choice’s most ardent believers. I hate the term, failing public schools. If there is failure, it is the failure of our state to fully fund our public schools. However, sometimes those funding failures …
Sometimes its just depressing… Last week, Susan and I attended our local Board Advisory Council meeting (in Wake County, each school board member has a BAC made up of parent representatives and the principals of all of the schools in his/her district. They meet periodically to discuss issues important to the school system). The topic …
More and more studies are showing that having a positive school environment can help promote school safety and wellness. We are starting to see data come out to back up the idea that having a positive school climate and students connected to the school can decrease violence in our schools. One researcher, Ron Astor, at …
Creating a Positive and Safe School Climate in North Carolina Read More »