The term “walking contradiction” describes someone who says one thing and then acts in a contradictory fashion. Nowhere do we get a better example of the “walking contradiction” than with politicians who knowingly and blatantly make statements that contradict their own actions or professed value systems. In North Carolina, we have many of our own … Continue reading Sen. Chad Barefoot’s Walking Contradiction on HB13
Stuart Egan: Betsy DeVos IS the Status Quo
Stuart Egan, a high school teacher in North Carolina, notes that Betsy DeVos relies on two rhetorical strategies: 1. Pleasant (and meaningless) platitudes; 2. A decided opposition to “the status quo.” She, who insisted at her Senate hearing on being called Mrs. DeVos wants to disrupt traditional public schools, not charters or religious schools.
She loves “great schools.”
She likes schools that “put children first.”
Platitudes.
Calls for disruption.
Who knew that conservatives believed in destroying traditional institutions?
Egan writes:
“Ironically, the conversation about changing the “status-quo” in public education has been fueled more by the business world and politicians who have been altering the terrain of public education with “reforms.”
“A Nation at Risk, No Child Left Behind, Race to the Top, Every Student Succeeds Act, Common Core, SAT, ACT, standardized tests, achievement gap, graduation rates, merit pay, charter schools, parent triggers, vouchers, value added-measurements, virtual schools, Teach For…
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Betsy DeVos – Pleasant Platitudes and The “Status Quo Fallacy”
Betsy DeVos’s most recent op-ed may have been intended to smooth over some of the rough edges of her brief tenure as the most unqualified secretary of education ever, but it actually shows her reliance on two rather tiring strategies as it pertains to reforming public education: “pleasant platitudes” and the “status quo fallacy.” The … Continue reading Betsy DeVos – Pleasant Platitudes and The “Status Quo Fallacy”
Phineas Luther Logan – Our Newest Addition to the Family
We are adopting a dog. We lost our beloved Boo Radley this past winter and have decided to adopt another dog, preferably one that was rescued, young, and chill enough to be around Malcolm but watch him as if he was a member of the pack. And we found ourselves this fine boy. "Jackson" as … Continue reading Phineas Luther Logan – Our Newest Addition to the Family
Next Stop on the “Listening Tour” – NC State Superintendent Mark Johnson vs. The NC State Board of Education
It appears that there may be more bickering in the backrooms of Raleigh than many have been hearing in the other parts of North Carolina. At least that is what some people claim to be hearing on their own “listening tours.” Lynn Bonner’s recent April 13th report in the Raleigh News & Observer entitled “NC … Continue reading Next Stop on the “Listening Tour” – NC State Superintendent Mark Johnson vs. The NC State Board of Education
Passing Off Politicized Propaganda as Pseudo-Academic Research – UnLOCKEing the John Locke Foundation
There are those who cherry-pick data points. Then there are those who cherry-pick the pits of cherry-picked data points and present that one small factoid as representative of the whole situation, and to do so willingly is nothing more than passing off politicized propaganda as pseudo-academic research. Consider Dr. Terry Stoops’s latest attempt to marry … Continue reading Passing Off Politicized Propaganda as Pseudo-Academic Research – UnLOCKEing the John Locke Foundation
Open Letter to Sen. Chad Barefoot Concerning His Words on HB13
Dear Sen. Barefoot, Your recent comments concerning the stalled House Bill 13 that would help local school districts navigate a stubborn legislative obstacle is yet another example of why so many people who advocate for the constitutionally protected public school system view you as hypocritical and piously partisan. While Guilford County has already served notice … Continue reading Open Letter to Sen. Chad Barefoot Concerning His Words on HB13
Malcolm’s Season Opener – 2 for 2 with 27 RBI’s, 4 SB’s, and some Cheetos
The Chellenger League started today. So out came the red helmet, the red coat, and the new red glove and off to the Watertower Field at Wake Forest. All that practice is paying off. Here's the first at-bat. As you can see - a screamer up the middle. Then the allusive "forget first, going … Continue reading Malcolm’s Season Opener – 2 for 2 with 27 RBI’s, 4 SB’s, and some Cheetos
Hey Wake Forest Fans – This Is The Team To Watch
I know. We made it to a bowl game and won. And I am excited about what we may do next year. And we made it to the dance for the first time in years. If Collins comes back, the Deacs may have a chance to make a lot more noise next year. But you … Continue reading Hey Wake Forest Fans – This Is The Team To Watch
Open Letter to Sen. Bill Rabon – Be a Civil Servant and Allow House Bill 13 to Come to the Senate Floor
Dear Senator Rabon, I was disheartened as a public school teacher to learn that House Bill 13, which earned unanimous support in the state House, has been tabled in the state Senate, a situation that you could easily remedy. And I am incensed as a parent of a special needs child in a public elementary … Continue reading Open Letter to Sen. Bill Rabon – Be a Civil Servant and Allow House Bill 13 to Come to the Senate Floor
caffeinated rage 