Stuart Egan: The Step-by-Step Destruction of Democracy in North Carolina

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As always, thanks to Dr. Ravitch.

dianeravitch's avatarDiane Ravitch's blog

In this powerful post, NBCT teacher Stuart Egan describes the calculated attack on democracy and social justice in North Carolina.

The state was once considered one of the most enlightened in the South. It is now one of the most regressive, taken down by the Tea Party, by a legislature dominated by ALEC, and by politicians determined to destroy opportunity for people of color and poor people.

Egan provides a timeline of North Carolina’s descent, which accelerated after the Tea Party capture of the General Assembly in 2010. Behind the scenes, big money pushed ALEC bills.

Egan writes:

That timeline is filled with actions that are calculated, highly crafted, delicately executed, and driven by dogma deliberately done to hurt public education and communities that rely on public schools. Each occurred before the May 16th, 2018 march in Raleigh.

Citizens United, you may remember, allowed for corporations and other entities…

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It’s Earth Day; What Tommy Boy Taught This English Teacher About Science

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I miss Chris Farley. His stint on Saturday Night Live is still memorable. There’s that opening number with Patrick Swayze where he and Swayze were competing for a spot in the Chippendale dancers. Then there’s Matt Foley, a motivational speaker who lives “in a van down by the river.” But my favorite Chris Farley performance was not … Continue reading It’s Earth Day; What Tommy Boy Taught This English Teacher About Science

Every NC Lawmaker Should “Virtually Sub” For A Teacher During This Pandemic Before…

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... making rash decisions about what should and should be done with public education in response to the COVID-19 crisis. In the next few days, the North Carolina General Assembly will somehow convene for the next short session. And they will surely have to tackle issues surrounding the top investment this state makes - its … Continue reading Every NC Lawmaker Should “Virtually Sub” For A Teacher During This Pandemic Before…

Want Mail-In Ballots? Then Make Your Public Comments Today!

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We ask that everyone take a few minutes to make sure that you fill out this public comment form to support the option of mail-in ballots in the Fall 2020 elections. All you have to do is click on this link, fill in your info and and type “In favor of the rule change."  

Phil Berger Made NC’s State Superintendent A More Powerful Position -Why We Need To Elect Jen Mangrum

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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 Phil Berger Made NC’s State Superintendent A More Powerful Position -Why We Need To Elect Jen Mangrum

In North Carolina (And Elsewhere), To Advocate For Public Schools Is To Confront Social & Racial Issues

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If you believe that an ALEC-aligned (American Legislative Executive Council) lawmaker in North Carolina will ever want to work with a union or organization that is trying to advocate for the vitality of public schools, then you are mistaken. And there are many of them. That Koch-brothers funded "bill mill" has as its underlying premise … Continue reading In North Carolina (And Elsewhere), To Advocate For Public Schools Is To Confront Social & Racial Issues

NCDPI Conducted An Internal Investigation. Really?

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When statements are issued on Friday afternoons around time for people to stop working, then it is intentionally done unless it is an emergency. This was not an emergency. It was meant to hopefully appear without being seen by many people. This is complete BS. It reads more like a bad cover-up than anything else. … Continue reading NCDPI Conducted An Internal Investigation. Really?

Remember What Mike Bloomberg Said About Teachers and Class Size? What Would He Say…

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...now that most every school campus in the country is closed and schooling has had to go to online avenues? It might be worth watching this video again through the lens of the COVID-19 pandemic.   https://twitter.com/i/status/1228201209900625921 In this speech, Bloomberg said, “If I had the ability, which nobody does really, to just design the … Continue reading Remember What Mike Bloomberg Said About Teachers and Class Size? What Would He Say…

Public School Advocates Might Want To See This Video – Why Dr. Oz Should Never Comment On Education

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This happened last night. https://twitter.com/i/status/1250807416872189952 "Schools are a very appetizing opportunity. I just saw a nice piece in The Lancet arguing the opening of schools may only cost us 2 to 3%, in terms of total mortality. Any, you know, any life is a life lost, but ... that might be a tradeoff some folks … Continue reading Public School Advocates Might Want To See This Video – Why Dr. Oz Should Never Comment On Education

Teachers Should Be Political – Now More Than Ever (Especially Here in North Carolina)

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In the state of North Carolina, over 56% of the state budget is dedicated to public education, most of which goes to K-12 (and pre-K) education. It’s specifically stated in Article IX of the state constitution that the state establish a free and viable means of educating school age-children. Sec. 2.  Uniform system of schools. … Continue reading Teachers Should Be Political – Now More Than Ever (Especially Here in North Carolina)