Since we are nearing the holiday season, I tend to think of this part of Dickens’s classic holiday novella. “At this festive season of the year, Mr. Scrooge,” said the gentleman, taking up a pen, “it is more than usually desirable that we should make some slight provision for the Poor and destitute, who suffer … Continue reading “Pro-Life” Also Means Taking Care Of Those Who Are Already Born
Skip Stam
Rep. Paul “Skip” Stam’s Ridiculously Below “Average” Op-Ed on Teacher Pay – I Mean, It’s Not Even Average
Rep. Paul Stam’s recent op-ed in EdNC.org entitled “Teacher Pay: Rhetoric vs. Reality” is yet another example of the strong confirmation bias that the senior Wake County representative suffers from in his explanation of teacher pay. And there are many different aspects of his meandering argument that could be rebutted with ease. Such as the … Continue reading Rep. Paul “Skip” Stam’s Ridiculously Below “Average” Op-Ed on Teacher Pay – I Mean, It’s Not Even Average
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Local Supplements For Teachers Mean More Than You May Think
When Gov. McCrory signed the latest budget into effect this past July he made sure to mention the election year raises given to teachers first. According to Katherine Peralta’s report in the July 14th Charlotte Observer, The Republican governor says the $22.34 billion budget includes an average 4.7 percent pay increase for teachers across the … Continue reading Local Supplements For Teachers Mean More Than You May Think
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The Compare and Contrast Paper – EdWeek.org’s Interesting Article
This past week Education Week released an online compare and contrast the candidates on all things education. It is entitled “Compare the Candidates: Where Do Clinton and Trump Stand on Education?” You may find it here - http://www.edweek.org/ew/section/multimedia/president-candidates-trump-clinton-education.html. When my wife shared this particular link with me, I imagined that I had already known … Continue reading The Compare and Contrast Paper – EdWeek.org’s Interesting Article
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Open Letter to Gov. McCrory and the NCGA Concerning Bonus Pay for Teachers
Dear Gov. McCrory and members of the North Carolina General Assembly, This may not be a popular opinion, but it is one that is a matter of principle to me. I will be receiving $2,000 in bonuses this year for having a certain number of students pass the AP English Language and Composition Exam for … Continue reading Open Letter to Gov. McCrory and the NCGA Concerning Bonus Pay for Teachers
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You Need to Know This Term – “Sine Die”, Or How the NCGA Will Not Let Bad Bills Die
Can you identify these Latin terms and phrases? “Carpe Diem” – Dead Poets Society “E Pluribus Unum” – look at a dollar bill “Et Cetera” – also known as “etc.” “Et tu, Brute?” – read some Shakespeare “Fac simile” – just the fax “In memoriam” – can be saddening “Magna Cum Laude” – not on … Continue reading You Need to Know This Term – “Sine Die”, Or How the NCGA Will Not Let Bad Bills Die
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Merit Pay for Teachers and Other Bad Ideas
Much of what written below was also in a letter to Rep. Paul "Skip" Stam in response to an interview he gave concerning teacher pay. With the idea being floated to give bonuses to teachers whose students pass AP, IB, and CTE tests, the myth of merit pay needs to be revisited. I do not know … Continue reading Merit Pay for Teachers and Other Bad Ideas
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Politics and the God Complex – Putting Jesus on the Ticket
“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door … Continue reading Politics and the God Complex – Putting Jesus on the Ticket
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Open Letter to John Hood – UnLOCKEing the John Locke Foundation, Part 3
Dear Mr. Hood, Your op-ed in The Carolina Journal (later reposted on EdNC.org.) entitled “How to Pay Teachers More” is another example of the deliberate disconnect from the reality of the teaching profession that many in Raleigh seem to not only revel in, but share as gospel. And this column is just another attempt to … Continue reading Open Letter to John Hood – UnLOCKEing the John Locke Foundation, Part 3
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Going Barefoot When You Need Wading Boots or Legivangelism 101 – An Open Letter to Sen. Chad Barefoot
Dear Sen. Barefoot, No doubt many in your party have congratulated you on your recent appointment to the Chairmanship of the very important Senate Education Committee which oversees the state’s K-12, Community College, and UNC systems. Additionally, you were reaffirmed as the Chairman of the Senate Education Appropriations Committee. In your brief tenure as a … Continue reading Going Barefoot When You Need Wading Boots or Legivangelism 101 – An Open Letter to Sen. Chad Barefoot
caffeinated rage 