As a teacher, if I worked the kind of schedule that Betsy DeVos worked, then I would be “nonrenewed” which is effectively fired. Before anyone says, “Well, teachers have tenure!” please be reminded that tenure really means having due-process rights and blatant absenteeism is hard to defend if it is not for medical leave or … Continue reading The Chronic Unexcused Absenteeism of Betsy DeVos
Another Reason To Love Being a Titan
There are many reasons why Malcolm loves going to West Forsyth Girls Basketball games. He loves basketball. He loves being close to the action. He loves that the players know him. And the young ladies on that team interact with him and make him a part of their "family." Before games some of them come … Continue reading Another Reason To Love Being a Titan
The Malleable, Nebulous, and Secretive Algorithm of EVAAS
Recently this blog released a post concerning SAS and its value-added measurement software called EVAAS detailing its rather "undetailed" functionality at least as it deals with North Carolina (https://caffeinatedrage.com/2017/11/26/why-teachers-should-be-wary-of-evaas-and-sas/). Be reminded the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction describes EVAAS as: EVAAS examines the impact of teachers, schools, and districts on the learning of their … Continue reading The Malleable, Nebulous, and Secretive Algorithm of EVAAS
Save Our Public Schools NC – Holiday Card Bonanza
Wanted to make you aware of this. Good people doing good things for great kids. Please consider helping. From the "Details." Our North Carolina elected officials have persistently failed to prioritize public schools across our State. Strong public schools lead to increased home values, economic growth and stable communities. [Read below for a quick history … Continue reading Save Our Public Schools NC – Holiday Card Bonanza
Gomer Pyle Makes a Citizen’s Arrest For Art Classes in NC
Did you ever see the Andy Griffith Show episode where Gomer makes a citizen’s arrest on Barney for making a U-turn on the main street? Take a look. https://youtu.be/G-VJNJhPCNo Baseball cap on sideways. Oily rag in back pocket. Impeccable logic. Steadfast loyalty to rules. Gomer Pyle was always more than he seemed. So was the … Continue reading Gomer Pyle Makes a Citizen’s Arrest For Art Classes in NC
Can Berger, Moore, or Barefoot Explain This? Concerning School Funding Levels Pre and Post Recession
Today the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities released a report on school funding in states that compared current funding with pre-recession levels. Entitled “A Punishing Decade for School Funding”, the authors begin with this: “Public investment in K-12 schools — crucial for communities to thrive and the U.S. economy to offer broad opportunity — … Continue reading Can Berger, Moore, or Barefoot Explain This? Concerning School Funding Levels Pre and Post Recession
Why Teachers Should Be Wary of EVAAS and SAS
In October, the venerable James Ford of the Public School Forum delivered the keynote address at the North Carolina English Teacher’s Association. It was more than exceptional as Ford highlighted that what hurts our schools most are external factors that are not being dealt with such as systemic poverty. Part of his presentation included a … Continue reading Why Teachers Should Be Wary of EVAAS and SAS
Items of the Week – Nov. 18 Nov. 25
Black Friday Cyber Monday Egypt Mosque Attack Michael Flynn Rep. Joe Barton Al Franken Zimbabwe Olympic Gymnastic Doctor Trump and Roy Moore Net Neutrality Charlie Rose
So, How Is That Betsy DeVos Thing Working Out For You?
It has been a year since Donald Trump made Betsy DeVos his selection as Secretary of Education and thus began a much maligned, yet brief tenure, of one of the most controversial cabinet members in recent history. DeVos’s resume coming into the office was not impressive and certainly one that displayed an unqualified individual whose … Continue reading So, How Is That Betsy DeVos Thing Working Out For You?
Civil Discourse in Public Education “Reform” Cannot Happen If You Refuse to Involve Teachers
Over the last year (and week), much has been said about the need for civility and constructive dialogue especially when discussing the topic of public education. John Hood has a recent op-ed in EdNC.org entitled “Carolina needs civil, curious leaders.” It begins, If you are involved in politics and public policy in North Carolina, I … Continue reading Civil Discourse in Public Education “Reform” Cannot Happen If You Refuse to Involve Teachers
caffeinated rage 