Now that all the swearing-in is done, the wrangling over education and politics is firing up. New Gov. Pat McCrory grabbed the headlines and internet buzz with his on-air comments about liberal education at UNC Chapel Hill. And consider some of the other developments just this week:
* The National School Boards Association is holding a conference in Washington, D.C., with Charlotte-Mecklenburg board members Ericka Elils-Stewart and Amelia Stinson-Wesley in attendance. The group is pushing legislation that would, in the words of the group's news release, "protect local school district governance from unnecessary and counter-productive federal intrusion from the U.S. Department of Education."
 |
| Allison |
Allison says his group doesn't want to undermine traditional public schools, which he says are are likely to remain the option of choice even as the menu expands. He says his group supports one key point being advocated by CMS and other school districts: Greater flexibility for traditional public schools on such issues as hiring and firing teachers. The CMS legislative agenda seeks "one set of rules for both charters and traditional public schools to follow." Amen, says Allison.
* Meanwhile, Public Schools First North Carolina is voicing a counterpoint. "North Carolina’s equitable, diverse, and thriving public school system is under siege. Privatization efforts such as vouchers and tax credits threaten to drain resources from our schools, as growing numbers of charter schools siphon off active families," says the introduction to the PSFNC video laying out the case for keeping resources focused on traditional public schools.
Read more about PSFNC and other coalitions gearing up for legislative action from the (Raleigh) News & Observer, along with details about PSFNC in the WakeEd blog. Mecklenburg ACTS is among the groups that created PSFNC.
* Just today, I got a news release from the Durham-based N.C. Student Power Union saying they're mobilizing students "to oppose the far right agenda the new legislature will pursue."
* Political reporter Jim Morrill reports that CMS board Chairman Mary McCray and Vice Chairman Tim Morgan are in Raleigh meeting with legislators today. I don't have any details, though the afore-mentioned legislative agenda would be a pretty safe guess.
* And McCrory today nominated three people for the state Board of Education, hoping to get them approved before next week's state board meeting.
Posts
44 comments:
threaten to drain resources from the public ed system?? Yeah, they've had a lock on education for long enough, with too much money thrown away with no big changes or results. Parents should be pushing for more choice.
From PSFNC's website:
PSFNC's beliefs include "children are best served by learning in an environment that reflects the diversity of their local district."
Have PSFNC's founding organizations considered that maybe years of insisting that families be forced to attend "diverse" schools (with their organizations defining the "diversity standard", along with years of ignoring the achievement gap within those "diverse" schools, created the environment that has caused so many families, both black and white, to flee public schools.
...land-line phones, typewriters, newspapers, bookstores, film, movie rental stores, VCRs, floppy disks, public education.
Pez dispensers, Rubik's cubes, .com stocks, charter school movement.
"Public Schools First" was started by a bunch of liberal interest groups to put the interests of the teacher's union above those of students and families.
Their agenda seeks:
1) to limit competition from charter schools and thereby prevent reform of public schools
2) to reduce the use of testing so that it's difficult to compare outcomes from school to school and teacher to teacher
3) to prevent tenure reform
4) to prevent the use of vouchers and other efforts at school choice.
A group should be formed called "Families First," so that the many families who want more educational choice have their interests represented as well. However, unfortunately groups like Public Schools First will always be more organized than ordinary families.
..sorry, the charter school movement is helping to drive the demise of traditional public education.
From 1999–2000 to 2009–10, the number of students enrolled in public charter schools more than quadrupled from 0.3 million to 1.6 million students. During this period, the percentage of all public schools that were public charter schools increased from 2 to 5 percent, comprising 5,000 schools in 2009–10. In addition to the increase in the number of charter schools, the enrollment size of charter schools has grown over time. The percentage of charter schools with enrollments under 300 students decreased from 77 percent in 1999–2000 to 61 percent in 2009–10. The percentage of charter schools with enrollments of 300–499 students increased from 12 to 21 percent during this period; the percentage with 500–999 students, from 9 to 14 percent; and the percentage with 1,000 students or more, from 2 to 4 percent.
Sorry, the charter school is not working to help students achieve more. The Stanford CREDO study (2009) found charter schools are no better (in some cases worse) than their public school counterparts. The success of charter schools are a myth propped up by those who invest in them.
The problem with public schools is the public.
Ain't nuttin gonna change that.
Bill Gates: Grade our teachers, help our students
By Bill Gates, Special to CNN
updated 6:19 AM EST, Wed January 30, 2013
http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/30/opinion/gates-teacher-evaluations/index.html?hpt=hp_t3
I'll believe the new governor when the UNC football/basketball aiding African-American program is eliminated. My bet: it won't happen.
Finding charter schools no better or worse than traditional public schools in a study means nothing.
Do Charter Schools Perform Better Than Traditional Public Schools?
EdSource Study Says…It Depends
Report Shows That, After Adjusting For Student Background and School Size, Charter Middle and High Schools Achieve Higher API Scores; Elementary Charters Score Lower
Mountain View, CA— A study released today by EdSource, an independent, not-for-profit
research organization, found that California charter schools statewide outperformed traditional
public schools at the middle and high school levels on the 2007 Growth API, after adjusting for
school size and student demographics. At the elementary level, traditional public schools scored higher.
Also, private schools are on par with most public schools.
The difference is, private schools don't have to put up with all the government bullshit and diversity crap. When you're in a private school, color means nothing and you know why you're there - to learn!
I'm not up-to-date on the D.C. public school system but I think charter school enrollment is coming close to exceeding traditional public school enrollment. Where else is this trend happening?
I attended at PEFNC conference in Raleigh after being invited to see "Waiting for Superman". The audience and guest speakers were predominately African-American and quite passionate about lifting NC's charter school cap. PEFNC was also equally supportive of traditional public schools and other alternative options giving parents more educational options (freedom) and choice. I visited KIPP/Charlotte charter school after this which impressed me.
I support Mecklenburg ACTS position on excessive high-stakes testing but I don't support the notion that charter schools are responsible for the demise of traditional public schools. Dr. Morrison is interested in creating stronger partnerships between CMS, charter and private schools with the belief that healthy competition among distinct educational institutions and broader school choice is a good thing. I think Dr. Morrison's desire to create a consortium type partnership among Charlotte's plethora of traditional public, magnet, charter and private schools is the most exciting and promising thing to come out of the CMS superintendent's office in the 20 years I've lived here. Collaborative education. What a concept!
Dr. Morrison is also interested in expanding CMS' magnet school offerings which, one could reasonably argue, also "siphon's off active parents". I find this interesting since PSFNC's primary objection to charter schools and vouchers is "siphoning off active families".
Its a shame poor Pat McCory never had the opportunity to take Persian tile making in college. This is what happens when Republicans and Democrats partake in too many "courageous conversations", participate in too many diversity training and cultural sensitivity workshops, and wind up woefully deficient on matters of cultural proficiency.
Alicia
11:41...
The CREDO study is the largest charter study to date. It analyzed results from schools across the country. It cast a wider net than the EdSource study which only looked at charters in California. The CREDO study DOES matter; it shouldn't be ignored just because the results aren't favorable for charter schools. Despite the mediocre results, charters are able to "skim" high performing students, counsel out underperforming students and accept a lower number of ESL and students with disabilities.
With regards to private schools, they excel because they serve students from stable, affluent backgrounds.
Someone mentioned the "teacher's union" being behind PSFNC. I thought it was common knowledge that NC, as right-to-work state, has no teachers' union. And if the governor is concerned about subsidizing programs at schools that don't lead to jobs, why did he not mention subsidized college sports.
Hey Alicia,
Personally, I don't think any shortcomings our governor may have are the result of too many cultural sensitivity workshops.
http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/30/opinion/gates-teacher-evaluations/index.html?hpt=hp_c1
Bill Gates is an elitist ignoramus. Teaching today's public students is the worst job on the planet and underpaid is putting it mildly.
But make sure the local NFL gets a 125 million remodeled stadium face lift so the cheats and scam extortionists can makes their 120 million a year each with endorsements. Get those useless criminals outta here all of them. What a crock.
McCrory hit the nail on the head. Time to revamp the entire public school system and UNC system. Ditch the useless liberal arts BS except for a select few who are qualified.
Build trade schools and stop encouraging non-college material to attend since taxpayers have over a trillion in unpaid student loans.
Not everybody is cut out for academic college work as over 50% in college today should not be there and far too many law schools and lawyers in America yet not enough doctors and surgeons.
McCrory can rescind the dumb pay raises to his top execs but otherwise keep up the good work on revamping public schools. 50% of HS students could graduate with 2 years in a trade school skilled profession to save billions overall.
Start giving out 2 year HS degrees in auto mechanics, plumbing, electrician, HVAC, carpentry, home building, etc etc.
Stop giving athletic scholarships at UNC system schools and you stop all fraud.
CMS = Ready , Fire , Aim
Didnt take long for the Apple tech to be stolen at one of those middle schools. Wait until the lawsuits flood in with BYOT.
My kids could have used dental and vision benefits instead of reading about the stolen IPads.!
Personally, I don't think any shortcomings our governor may have are the result of too many cultural sensitivity workshops.
Same for all the past Democrat governors of this state.
Take sensitivity out of the equation. Educate the kids to their needs academically. If they don't get, too bad.
UNC Chapel Hill has lost so much credibility and reputation primarily to the fact that it is still in denial. What a shame of what was once a great institution. It will take years of good conduct and the realization that the reputation is truly soiled to bring it back to the stature it once enjoyed.
Governor Pat makes somewhat of a point, but it is true that America is on the downside of technology and engineering. We need more science getting engaged in science and technology, so as to create more balance between "science" and "liberal" education. We need both, but there is a great imbalance in this country at this time.
Yes teach students a trade or skill. Dont however teach them to be a teacher!If your income does not keep up with the rising cost of consumer prices (inflation), then your standard of living will be decreased. Why would anyone want to go into this vocation?
Blah blah blah
4:09
Until the 17th century, art referred to any skill or mastery and was not differentiated from crafts or sciences. Art and science were considered the same, or, synonymous which is an ancient Greek word meaning "with". Therefore, I agree the U.S. should be on the cutting edge of science and technology but perhaps our fine Governor might benefit from a refresher course in elementary piano (in favor of a cultural sensitivity course).
For the record, U.S. students consistently win international math and science competitions. Our top students outperform the rest of the world.
Alicia
Cont..
Exactly how do we teach cultural sensitivity and diversity "skills"? How do we measure "mastery" of these subjects?
CMS eliminated elementary band and orchestra. Learning to play a musical instrument is a skill. If I were a 17th century scholar, learning to play a musical instrument would considered a science and an art. What the heck is Cultural Competency? Why is it important to "teach" this?
Alicia
Alicia
That is the problem. We dont spend enough money facilitating and enriching the top students in our country. We do however spend trillions on students that NEVER progress and have shown no measureable results. Our change in education should begin with these students.Teach them how to fish otherwise they will be begging for fish on the backs of the workers the rest of their entire life along with generations of their children.
Look at the historical facts and follow the money.
Is Cultural Competency and art or a science?
Alicia
Which one can find a job, earn a living and pay into the government entitlement programs to support those that cant or wont work?
Dance
Asian Dance Team, MIT–from traditional to contemporary
Ballroom Dance Club, MIT—social ballroom dancing
Ballroom Dance Team, MIT—competitive ballroom dancing
Bhangra Club, MIT—shares folk dances of Punjab
Casino Rueda Group, MIT—instructs and performs Salsa dance
MIT Chamak, MIT’s Indian fusion dance team
Dance Mix Coalition, MIT—student DJs at MIT mix
Dance Theater Ensemble, MIT—co-curricular dance ensemble.
Dance Troupe, MIT—variety of styles of dance
Folk Dance Club, MIT—International, and Contra dances
Imobilare—MCing, DJing, Bboying, Graf, Stylzes
Lindy Hop Society Club, MIT—devoted to “swing dancing”
DANCE at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Lion Dance Group—the art of Chinese Lion Dance
Mocha Moves Dance Squad—hip hop
Movements in Time—professional choreography and classes
Natya, MIT’s Indian Classical Dance Club—dance form of Bharataha Naatyam
Ridonkulous Dance —
performing at events
Salsa Club, MIT
Tango Club, MIT–Argentine Tango dancing
Tech Squares—square and round dance club
Alicia
7:40
I hadn't thought about that! Interesting point.
oops, (previous post)
DANCE at MIT!
It appears MIT is lacking shag, clogging, and country western line dancing but I'm willing to give this a pass considering we're talking about a bunch of tech geeks.
Alicia
7:29
My brother attended Yale as a physics major. Of course it's important to reach and challenge our most academically advanced students. However, I haven't seen or read a lot of research that supports the argument that top U.S. students aren't making the grade. In my opinion, we aren't reaching or fully challenging a vast swath of "average" kids who fall within the bell curve. CMS has a number of outstanding programs for academically advanced students ranging from IB, the Horizon's program, Cato Middle College, and so on. NWSA has graduated National Merit Scholar winners. I think a lot of kids in the middle get shafted. I also question CMS' definition of "gifted" and the system's identification process which currently includes 4 different "gateways". At one point, CMS has 3 times the national average of gifted students. Really?
Alicia
Alicia
What does CMS spend the most money on:
Gifted student programs or Focus Schools and Low performing students?
Show me the MONEY!
8:23
Unlike my brother, I'm not a Yale physicist nor am I a data analyst, or computer scientist. I attended UMass as a dance major. I'm not sure whether or not Governor Pat McCrory would consider my B.A. degree valuable but I did receive a full tuition scholarship plus stipend at George Washington University to earn a M.A. Who would have thunk it, but I also managed to support myself teaching and performing after earning a M.A. in Dance Education. I guess I'm supposed to put a bag over my head and hide.
I don't know what CMS spends on it's "average" gifted student. I do know that, by law, gifted students are considered "exceptional" and therefore entitled to additional services and funding. Therefore, a gifted student at Providence Spring elementary (it's really time to lay off the Ballantyne area, folks) receives more per-puplil monies and services than an average student at Beverly Woods elementary. How much more a gifted student receives at a low-poverty school vs. how much an average student receives at a high poverty school is a question I don't know the answer to.
Alicia
Massachusetts Institute of Technology -
Something tells me that if CMS offered the diverse range of dance offerings available at MIT, we wouldn't need Mr. Glen Singleton (Courageous Conversations), Mr. Wise (White Like Me), or a task-force devoted to Cultural Competency.
ART for Cultural Competency.
Alicia
Alicia,
Thoughtful posts, I appreciate you sharing all that. I'd expand on your musings though and include all arts, not just dance. All great civilizations placed heavy emphasis on the arts and education.
Really it seems like we may be approaching a point where we as a society needs to define and fully understand what public education is for.
Alicia
Follow the MONEY. Students at Focus Schools receive 3x the spending per pupil as the suburb schools.
Congrats on your scholorship.I am sure somewhere along the way taxpayers funded this "FREE" education for you. Isnt this a great country. Thank You
GWU is a private (not public) university so I'm sure my tuition scholarship plus stipend were awarded through private donations not tax-payer subsidies.
Alicia
George Washington Univ. is not a state subsidized public school. GWU is a private university. My tuition scholarship plus stipend was awarded though private endowments - not through state tax-payer supported funding. State tax funds did not support or pay for my tuition scholarship or stipend. I was awarded a tuition scholarship plus stipend through private donations made to the university, not tax-payer money.
Alicia
Jeff,
I agree that all great societies placed a heavy emphasis on the arts (music, visual art, dance, drama) to educate students about diverse cultures.
Have public school Cultural Sensitivity and Diversity in Education seminars usurped the need or desire for students to be trained in fundamental music, dance, drama, and visual art skills? Again, Is Cultural Proficiency an art, or a science? Is Cultural Proficiency a skill that can be measured? How is it mastered? Is it possible ART provides a more sound and effective way of teaching fundamental cultural proficiency goals? Define "What is cultural proficiency? Define "what is art"?
Alicia
Alicia, as always you ask good questions. I think a fair amount of the decline of students in arts classes is lack of classes (funding) and decreased interest.
There are so many more options and the top-tier students are generally cramming in all sorts of extra other non-arts courses to help them stand out.
To your more specific point, I think cultural proficiency is not overly measurable and is more along the lines of exposure to rather than mastery of.
I know in high school there were art forms I had no desire to learn or care about - but I was exposed to a lot of that (through school and from home). It wasn't until college and beyond that this exposure took hold.
So I think public education should, to the best of its ability, provide cultural opportunities but I don't think they can measure, test or otherwise expect ambitious results in the near term.
Alicia
Many students at George Washington University receive what is call a Federal Direct Stafford Loan.
Who do you think provides the funding for this?
PS
Do you have a job yet?
5:10
I know what a Stafford Loan is. GWU did NOT grant me a Stafford loan. The George Washington University awarded me a full-tuition scholarship plus stipend to teach undergraduate classes as a graduate TA. I also received as scholarship to study dance at the Harvard Summer Dance Center.
Upon completion of my M.A. degree, I taught for the Univ. of the District of Columbia, The D.C. Youth Ensemble, The Prince Georges' County MD Public School System (as a state certified teacher) and Penn State University at College Park. I also dance professionally (for a salary) with the Pennsylvania Dance Theater which was supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Penn State Arts Council and local donations from of viewers like you.
I'd be happy to answer any other questions concerning my legitimate employment.
Alicia
5:10
CPCC offered me an adjunct teaching position which I turned down in favor of working for the Greater Charlotte YMCA while serving as a PTO President, CMS school leadership team member, ESL tutor, high school mentor, grade parent, and after school club director. I'm in a post-bac. program now for licensure to teach 4th and 5th grade as a regular classroom teacher. The thing is, I've had the best career in the world. I LOVE what I do! How many people can say this? I've also had a career that has allowed me the flexibility to balance my work with the demands of raising a family without nannies and daycare providers. I feel extremely blessed to have been able to choose this route as viable option.
Alicia
5:10
I had zero loans from GWU. I was awarded a full-tuition scholarship plus stipend (a grant NOT a loan) based on my talent, undergraduate recommendations, and academic merit.
So sorry to disappoint you. But I did, in fact, attend GWU to study Dance Education FOR FREE! (tuition plus stipend). May wonders never cease. I graduated with a MA. with stable employment at a nearby university and also a local public school system.
Alicia
Post a Comment