Opinion
DPI Database Needs Scrutiny
The latest Department of Public Instruction computer system has been plagued with problems.
News
Legislator Likens Failing Schools To ‘Death Traps’ For Minorities
RALEIGH — State Rep. Edward Hanes, D-Forsyth, said a proposed Achievement School District that would operate with charter school flexibility is a step in the right direction to turn around low-performing schools that are “death traps” for the prospects of minority children.
News
Senate Set To Adopt Replacement For Common Core Standards
RALEIGH — While House and Senate leaders remain at odds over the state’s $21.1 billion General Fund budget and teacher pay increases, they have found common ground on another subject — replacing Common Core standards. The bill is on today’s Senate calendar for a vote. The House is likely to take up the measure next week when it returns to Raleigh.
News
State Leaders Vow To Ease Testing Burden
RALEIGH — Teachers finding their schedules packed with testing would get relief from education reforms promised by Gov. Pat McCrory and top Republican lawmakers, who say students would benefit from a streamlined list of required state and local exams. Deciding which tests can be eliminated without eroding accountability will be essential.
News
Friday Interview: Common Core Questions Covered
RALEIGH — Parents and taxpayers continue to ask questions about new Common Core standards as they are implemented in North Carolina’s public schools. Five months after releasing a question-and-answer primer on Common Core, the John Locke Foundation recently released a revised, expanded version of that primer. It tackles 60 key issues in a Q&A format. Dr. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation director of education studies, discussed Common Core with Donna Martinez for Carolina Journal Radio.
Opinion
Time For A Testing Revolt
Across the country, parents are fed up with excessive student testing, and they’re having an impact on state policy. There’s hope for North Carolina parents, too.
Opinion
Time For A Testing Revolt
Around the country, parents are fed up with excessive student testing, and they're having an impact on state policy. There's hope for North Carolina parents, too.
News
‘Systems Thinking’ Advocates Brew Controversy in W-S/Forsyth Schools
WINSTON-SALEM — Some say "systems thinking" subjects students to a socialist political agenda, while others — including Superintendent Don Martin — claim it is simply another instructional tool teachers have employed successfully in the classroom.
News
Superintendent Candidates Articulate Sharp Contrasts at Forum
RALEIGH — There was no disguising harsh sentiments between candidates for state superintendent of public instruction at a public forum in Raleigh Monday night when incumbent Democrat June Atkinson and Republican challenger John Tedesco clashed over a 90-minute span.
News
Berger’s Ambitious Education Reform Plan Faces Tight Deadlines
RALEIGH — It’s unclear what, if anything, could survive a vote in both houses and a possible veto by Gov. Bev Perdue. Under pressure from state education officials, Senate leader Phil Berger’s initial proposal is continuing to evolve. And GOP House leaders have introduced competing if more modest proposals.
News
Friday Interview: Assessing Teacher Training in N.C. Colleges
RALEIGH — Most observers agree that a quality classroom teacher is critical to a child’s ability to learn and achieve in school. There’s not as much agreement about whether North Carolina’s teaching colleges are turning out graduates who meet that benchmark. Dr. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation director of education studies, discussed the issue with Donna Martinez for Carolina Journal Radio.
Opinion
New Standards, Familiar Problems
North Carolina soon will be forced to deal with new — but not improved — academic benchmarks.
