This week I received confirmation that Mark Johnson, the state school superintendent, is now following my personal twitter feed through his office’s official twitter account. Even have the proof. And I absolutely welcome it. There are around 100,000 teachers in this state. Mark Johnson’s official twitter account currently follows 442 people (as of this post), … Continue reading When the State Superintendent Starts Following Your Twitter Account
Mark Johnson
Mark Johnson and the Word “No” – Following the Money
“I have decided to stop taking offense at the suggestion that we are buying influence. Now I simply concede the point. They are right. We do expect something in return. We expect to foster a conservative governing philosophy consisting of limited government and respect for traditional American virtues. We expect a return on our investment." … Continue reading Mark Johnson and the Word “No” – Following the Money
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A Failing Charter School, An ISD, and a Rich Privatizer in Oregon – The Ingredients for “Innovation” in NC
Mark Johnson has been preaching “urgency, ownership, and innovation.” Well, we have an urgent matter that someone needs to own very quickly and show some innovation and we seem to have all of the ingredients for a solution already in place. Consider: The new NC Innovative School District “needs” to take over failing schools in … Continue reading A Failing Charter School, An ISD, and a Rich Privatizer in Oregon – The Ingredients for “Innovation” in NC
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(I)ntruding on (S)chools (D)eliberately – Why There is Nothing Innovative About NC’s ISD Reform
Last week’s State Board of Education meeting saw a potential list of schools to be considered for the new NC Innovation School District whittled down to four. The ISD Superintendent, Dr. Eric Hall, made his presentation to the SBOE answering questions and doing what he is expected to do: his job. And to all accounts … Continue reading (I)ntruding on (S)chools (D)eliberately – Why There is Nothing Innovative About NC’s ISD Reform
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Mess With The Bull, You Get The Horns – Defending Durham Schools
“Local leaders know what we need.” – Mark Johnson, Sept. 29th, 2016 in debate with Dr. June Atkinson. “Mess with the bull, you get the horns.” – Skipper from The Penguins of Madagascar “Hit Bull, Win Steak.” - Sign in the greatest minor league park in the country, the DBAP. When Mark Johnson said his … Continue reading Mess With The Bull, You Get The Horns – Defending Durham Schools
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Not Saying Much With a Lot of Words – The Disappointing Interview With State Superintendent Mark Johnson
In what might be a first in the nine months that he has been in office, North Carolina State Superintendent Mark Johnson gave an interview that was accessible to the average North Carolinian. In “‘Fighting the status quo’: Inside the combative world of NC’s new public schools chief,” Johnson offers some explanation of his vision … Continue reading Not Saying Much With a Lot of Words – The Disappointing Interview With State Superintendent Mark Johnson
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In Actuality State Supt. Johnson, You Are the “Status Quo” – Concerning Today’s Court Decision
Mark Johnson claims that he wants to change the “status quo.” But in reality he wants to protect the “status quo.” In fact, he is the “status quo.” The term “status quo” has become something of a nebulous term for public education and has evolved into a powerful logical fallacy used by reformers. Consider the … Continue reading In Actuality State Supt. Johnson, You Are the “Status Quo” – Concerning Today’s Court Decision
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Collaboration. Not Competition. That’s What We Need For Public Schools.
“Collaborate” :intransitive verb. Noun form is “collaboration” - 1:to work jointly with others or together especially in an intellectual endeavor Simply put, collaboration as described in that first definition from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary website is the best resource/tool that a school can have and that leaders can encourage. What makes schools work best are the … Continue reading Collaboration. Not Competition. That’s What We Need For Public Schools.
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“Emptiness” – Concerning the State Superintendent’s Words on School Performance Grades
It is usually a good feeling that accompanies a “congratulatory” note from someone in a position of authority who recognizes hard work and accomplishment, especially in a field that constantly measures performance in such an arbitrary fashion. School performance grades were released by DPI this week and quick to point out any “successes” that could … Continue reading “Emptiness” – Concerning the State Superintendent’s Words on School Performance Grades
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Mark Johnson, Those “Dreamers” Are Our Students. Speak Up For Them.
“We are blessed beyond measure to be citizens of the United States, the only nation ever to have a dream named after it. No matter who you are, your background, your neighborhood, or your race; you should be able to go to school, work hard, and reach your American Dream. More of the same cannot … Continue reading Mark Johnson, Those “Dreamers” Are Our Students. Speak Up For Them.
caffeinated rage 