... ask the right questions. Funny that Mark Johnson asked us how to make North Carolina's schools better. We answered by making sure that he would not have an office next term in Raleigh that directly impact public education. But here he is referring to that biannual tradition known as the North Carolina Teacher Working … Continue reading “ASQNC” – We Have A New Teacher Working Conditions Survey That Still Does Not…

When starting to filter through the data-rich and incredibly detailed Leandro Report (released toward the end of 2019) many of the very issues that public school advocates have been calling attention to for years were not only echoed, but were also explained in context of other issues that affect our public education system. These 12 … Continue reading Would Like For Lt. Gov. Dan Forest To Explain These 12 Glaring Data Exhibits From The Leandro Report

Over 50% of the state budget for NC is spent on public education. Currently it stands around 56-57%. And yes that is above the national average. And there is a reason for that. Before we had a Republican-controlled legislature, the state spent an even higher percentage on public education because THAT IS WHAT THE STATE … Continue reading Just Remember, A Vote For Dan Forest Is A Vote For Betsy DeVos And The Privatization Of Public Education In NC

These are two incredibly worthwhile articles for two groups of people: those who teach in our public schools and those who do not. Both are from The Bitter Southerner, a publication out of Atlanta described as: "If you are a person who buys the states’ rights argument … or you fly the rebel flag in … Continue reading About “Failing Government Schools” and “Teacher Burnout”

In 2011 North Carolina got a super-majority in the NC General Assembly and the rise of Sen. Phil Berger as the most powerful lawmaker in the state. Then we got the removal of due-process rights, graduate degree pay bumps removed, less per-pupil expenditures, vouchers, unregulated charter school growth, school performance grading system, class size cap … Continue reading The Karmic Possibility Of The State Superintendent Election

...and it looked a lot like a ballot. While the traditional Teacher Working Conditions Survey covers perceptions of school environments and attitudes, nothing can truly represent a "working conditions survey" like a ballot - especially the one presented to teachers and other public school advocates this past Tuesday.   When the man who currently "leads" … Continue reading Teacher Working Conditions Survey Is Available; However, We Filled One Out On Primary Day..

A recent perspective from the 2019 NC Principal of the Year Matt Bristow-Smith in EdNC.org entitled "NC’s school performance grade model does harm to poor schools" is a crystal clear account of the stigmatizing effects of our current rating system. As a principal in a rural school system, Bristow-Smith thoroughly explains the blatant shortcomings of … Continue reading Just Eliminate The School Performance Grading System

For quite some time, Mark Johnson has cast himself as a champion of public education fighting against evil, unseen forces in a quest to bring effective, urgent, and positive  change. But maybe he should have reflected on his actual record. Johnson said that he conducted a “listening tour” around the state to gather ideas and … Continue reading No, Mark Johnson – It Was Not The “Deep State,””The Establishment,” Or “Elite Insiders” Who Defeated You; It Was Your Pathetic Record.

The current General Assembly majority is very scared of public school teachers and those who support them. Without their support in this next election cycle (including today's primaries), many candidates for office simply cannot win. That’s why the NCGA majority has touted so many “band-aid” style electioneering schemes to make them appear pro-public education, especially … Continue reading Open Letter to the Registered Voter Who Believes in Public Schools – Vote In Today’s Primaries!