Month: October 2017

Mark Johnson and the Word “No” – Following the Money

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“I have decided to stop taking offense at the suggestion that we are buying influence. Now I simply concede the point. They are right. We do expect something in return. We expect to foster a conservative governing philosophy consisting of limited government and respect for traditional American virtues. We expect a return on our investment." … Continue reading Mark Johnson and the Word “No” – Following the Money

Why Service Work Matters For High Schoolers And the Rest of US

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October 15th is rapidly approaching and I am busy rereading drafts of recommendations for those students who have deadlines for early decision applications and scholarship awards. This year, most early decision recs are being sent to UNC-Chapel Hill, my wife's alma mater. Some to App State's Honors College. A couple to USC in Columbia. One … Continue reading Why Service Work Matters For High Schoolers And the Rest of US

A Thank You to North Carolina’s Educational Journalists – But Not on Rob Bryan or Darrell Allison’s Behalf

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I am sure that former state legislator Rob Bryan and current PEFNC leader Darrell Allison are not very happy with some of the educational journalists in NC who dedicate themselves to uncovering and exposing things hidden which affect so many openly. That is especially true in the world of public education and the “reforms” that … Continue reading A Thank You to North Carolina’s Educational Journalists – But Not on Rob Bryan or Darrell Allison’s Behalf

A Failing Charter School, An ISD, and a Rich Privatizer in Oregon – The Ingredients for “Innovation” in NC

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Mark Johnson has been preaching “urgency, ownership, and innovation.” Well, we have an urgent matter that someone needs to own very quickly and show some innovation and we seem to have all of the ingredients for a solution already in place. Consider: The new NC Innovative School District “needs” to take over failing schools in … Continue reading A Failing Charter School, An ISD, and a Rich Privatizer in Oregon – The Ingredients for “Innovation” in NC

(I)ntruding on (S)chools (D)eliberately – Why There is Nothing Innovative About NC’s ISD Reform

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Last week’s State Board of Education meeting saw a potential list of schools to be considered for the new NC Innovation School District whittled down to four. The ISD Superintendent, Dr. Eric Hall, made his presentation to the SBOE answering questions and doing what he is expected to do: his job. And to all accounts … Continue reading (I)ntruding on (S)chools (D)eliberately – Why There is Nothing Innovative About NC’s ISD Reform

The State Superintendent and the Elephant in the Room – Mark Johnson’s Refusal to Drive the Bus

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State Superintendent Mark Johnson has mentioned many times that he draws upon his “years” of teaching as casting perspective in his new role as the leader of the public schools. And as an “instructional leader,” he should know that questions asked in any “class” should be answered in a straightforward manner with honesty and integrity. … Continue reading The State Superintendent and the Elephant in the Room – Mark Johnson’s Refusal to Drive the Bus

What if Schools Could Operate Like the NC General Assembly – A 10-Point Lesson Plan

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As the North Carolina General Assembly comes together in Raleigh for another of its patented “special sessions,” public school advocates are looking for lawmakers to make several “fixes” to rather ill-conceived initiatives like principal pay, class-size mandates, and the Innovative School District. However, as leaders were trying to gather members into their caucuses to go … Continue reading What if Schools Could Operate Like the NC General Assembly – A 10-Point Lesson Plan

Mess With The Bull, You Get The Horns – Defending Durham Schools

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“Local leaders know what we need.” – Mark Johnson, Sept. 29th, 2016 in debate with Dr. June Atkinson. “Mess with the bull, you get the horns.” – Skipper from The Penguins of Madagascar “Hit Bull, Win Steak.”  - Sign in the greatest minor league park in the country, the DBAP. When Mark Johnson said his … Continue reading Mess With The Bull, You Get The Horns – Defending Durham Schools