Teachers in North Carolina have an extended deadline to complete the NC Teacher Working Conditions Survey for the Department of Public Instruction. Currently we are at 90% of teachers completing it. State Superintendent Mark Johnson wants at least 95%. It would be a badge of honor for him. The survey happens once every two years, … Continue reading Something’s Wrong With the North Carolina DPI’s Teacher Working Conditions Survey
Mark Johnson
Dear State Supt. Johnson, $200 Per Teacher? How About Fight For More Per Student? Much More.
News last week that DPI is allocating almost $5 million to early grade literacy seems most welcome. As reported by Liz Bell of EdNC.org: The Department of Public Instruction is distributing a total of $4.8 million from funds allocated by the state in 2016 as part of its Read to Achieve initiative for “literacy support” in early … Continue reading Dear State Supt. Johnson, $200 Per Teacher? How About Fight For More Per Student? Much More.
Share this:
I Agree With the State Superintendent on This, But…
In the wake of the Douglas High School shootings last week, those in the position to affect changes in our public schools and how those schools can be more prepared to combat potential problems need to show leadership and take a stand - for public schools. It is heartening to see State Supt. Mark Johnson … Continue reading I Agree With the State Superintendent on This, But…
Share this:
North Carolina Should Not Allow the ACT to Have This Much Power Over Our Schools
A little over two years ago, an extended editorial appeared in newspapers across North Carolina concerning public education. I happened to read it in the Winston-Salem Journal. It was written by Walter McDowell, a board member of BEST NC. McDowell, a former executive with Wachovia, talked of the dire need to transform education in North Carolina. … Continue reading North Carolina Should Not Allow the ACT to Have This Much Power Over Our Schools
Share this:
Keeping It Partisan – Our State Superintendent
"And some of those tasked with making schools better are more focused on preserving tired partisan wedges rather than looking for innovative ways to provide more and better opportunities in rural communities." - Mark Johnson, February 7th in an op-ed he wrote entitled "What I meant about $35K teacher pay" in the News & Observer … Continue reading Keeping It Partisan – Our State Superintendent
Share this:
The Privatization of North Carolina’s Public Schools – A Who’s Who
Remember Michelle Rhee’s visit to North Carolina last year for a “closed-door” meeting (February 7th ,2017) with lawmakers brokered by an educational lobbying body of business leaders called BEST NC (coupled with the NC GOP’s invitation to Betsy DeVos who had just been confirmed as Trump’s secretary of education)? It was another ominous omen of … Continue reading The Privatization of North Carolina’s Public Schools – A Who’s Who
Share this:
“Snowbirding” on the Court of the Class Size Fix
When a player on a basketball court refuses to go and play defense and only wants easy passes for wide open shots to pad their stat sheet, that player is "snowbirding." Rather than doing the heavy lifting, playing hard to make a stop and secure the rebound, this player raises his hands, yells for the … Continue reading “Snowbirding” on the Court of the Class Size Fix
Share this:
HB90 Shows That NC’s Public School Children Are Political Pawns
News today that a "fix" for the class size mandate was "agreed" upon by both chambers of the North Carolina General Assembly should seem like a welcome outcome. On the surface, it is a victory for parents, advocates, and schools in that the mandate will be pushed back for a while and some extra funding … Continue reading HB90 Shows That NC’s Public School Children Are Political Pawns
Share this:
“Less Than Stellar” – The State Superintendent Is Right
“Less than stellar.” That’s what State Superintendent Mark Johnson said about his recent comments concerning teacher pay in rural counties. It’s one of the first times that he has been correct in gauging his performance as the top public school official in the state. But in truth, Johnson’s entire tenure as state superintendent has been … Continue reading “Less Than Stellar” – The State Superintendent Is Right
Share this:
The Silence of the NC State Superintendent on Public Schools And a Fear of Tough Questions
I don’t get to choose my students. Whoever walks into my classroom and is on the roll I receive from the school system will get the best instruction that I can offer. And in those classes, I do not write a script. Students are always allowed to ask questions, especially tough ones. If I know … Continue reading The Silence of the NC State Superintendent on Public Schools And a Fear of Tough Questions
caffeinated rage 