Brenda Berg’s recent perspective posted on EdNC.org’s website this past Friday is another example that appearance and reality are not always the same when it pertains to “reforming” the public education system here in North Carolina. “(Not) Taking Sides: Civil Discourse with Michelle Rhee and George Parker” appears as an open missive from the CEO … Continue reading Don’t Call a One-Sided Conversation “Civil Discourse” – A Reaction to BEST NC’s Perspective in EdNC.org
Author: caffeinatedrage
About That Letter to the Editor Concerning “Failing Schools”
The shortsighted missive from the “Correspondent of the week” in the editorial section of this past Sunday’s Winston-Salem Journal was not only condescending and off target, but also a reminder that many who pass judgement on the public school system have really no grasp of what happens in schools and the challenges that teachers and … Continue reading About That Letter to the Editor Concerning “Failing Schools”
If Anyone is in “Receive Mode,” It’s Betsy DeVos
“They’re waiting to be told what they have to do, and that’s not going to bring success to an individual child. You have to have teachers who are empowered to facilitate great teaching.” That’s how Betsy DeVos explained the use of “receive mode” when describing the teachers at Jefferson Middle School Academy in Washington D.C. … Continue reading If Anyone is in “Receive Mode,” It’s Betsy DeVos
“CheeBerger, CheeBerger!” -Sen. Phil Berger and the Art of Walking Contradictorily
Sen. Phil Berger’s words that introduced BEST NC’s fourth annual legislative meeting which featured Michelle Rhee is yet another indication that the powers that be in North Carolina are still addicted to reform ideas that not only further harm public schools but erroneously claim that schools should run more like businesses. But at least he … Continue reading “CheeBerger, CheeBerger!” -Sen. Phil Berger and the Art of Walking Contradictorily
The Best Depiction of Love in Movies
Today is Valentine's Day - flowers, candy, cards, special meals, and love notes. Sometimes, however, I am reminded that the real love that I share for another human being doesn't really need a holiday. This past year two of my best friends lost their significant others - one to cancer, the other to organ failure. … Continue reading The Best Depiction of Love in Movies
The Dramatis Personae in the Privatization of Public Schools in North Carolina – or Who is Trying to “Reform” Education Through Deformation
Michelle Rhee’s visit to North Carolina for a “closed-door” meeting (February 7th)) with lawmakers in the current climate of public education in this country and in the state should not sit well with public school advocates. In fact, this meeting that was brokered by an educational lobbying body of business leaders called BEST NC (coupled … Continue reading The Dramatis Personae in the Privatization of Public Schools in North Carolina – or Who is Trying to “Reform” Education Through Deformation
The NC GOP Wants to Meet Betsy DeVos To “Share” Agendas and Give Her A Pencil
News that the North Carolina GOP has invited newly and (barely) confirmed U.S. Education secretary Betsy DeVos to come and “share ideas” with lawmakers concerning school choice is rather humorous. As reported in the News & Observer yesterday (2/9) in an article entitled “Republicans invite DeVos to North Carolina for advice on expanding school choice,” … Continue reading The NC GOP Wants to Meet Betsy DeVos To “Share” Agendas and Give Her A Pencil
Dr. Seuss And The Age of Trump
Donald Trump’s first three weeks in office have been rather tumultuous, yet surreal at the same time, and the references by many to dystopian novels have been plentiful. 1984 is the bestselling book of the past few weeks as the articles making comparisons between Trump’s tenure as president and Orwell’s “fictional” world immediately began to circulate … Continue reading Dr. Seuss And The Age of Trump
Melissa McCarthy and Acting the Truth
Donald Trump has literally revitalized Saturday Night Live. Not because he hosted an episode in 2015, but because of the fodder he is giving the show. Alec Baldwin’s impression of the new president might just win him an Emmy Award, but what Melissa McCarthy pulled off this past weekend might be the best political satire … Continue reading Melissa McCarthy and Acting the Truth
To Be An Atlanta Falcons Fan And Understanding Scrat the Squirrel
If you are a fan of the Ice Age movies, you know that the endless quest for the acorn carries Scrat through all five movies. He almost gets it, and then it's gone. An unforeseen force that foils him right at the very end. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jga4oHAoJhc And you say that it's just a movie. Yet, if … Continue reading To Be An Atlanta Falcons Fan And Understanding Scrat the Squirrel
