If you’re interested in education reform, you having a hard time keeping up with the changes coming out of the General Assembly. Last week Sen. Phil Berger’s (R-Rockingham) Excellent Public Schools Act (SB 795) — which among other things ends social promotion and does away with teacher tenure — was approved by the Senate and then [...]
Poll Results a “thumbs up” for ed reform
North Carolinians want real education reform. That’s one of the main findings of the May Civitas Poll. The poll explored public sentiment on education issues and specifically some of the provisions included in The Excellent Public Schools Act (SB 795). May poll highlights show of 600 general voter respondents: 28 percent gave public schools across [...]
What are the Chances for True Ed Reform?
It goes without saying that during the Short Session most of the action in the General Assembly concerns budget tweaking and such is the case this year. However, education reform advocates are also carefully watching the progress of two bills. HB 1104 introduced last week by Rep. Paul Stam (R-Wake) and SB 795 authored by [...]
Ed reform bill heard in Senate — and supported by voters
This morning the Senate Education Committee took up the Excellent Public Schools Act. The bill, introduced by Sen. Phil Berger (R-Rockingham), is the most comprehensive education reform legislation to be introduced in years. The bill includes provisions to: Eliminate Social Promotion. Improve reading proficiency with early intervention and assessment and ensure that students who enter [...]
Teacher Tenure and NC Voters
Teachers in North Carolina usually apply for tenure after four years of teaching. If granted — barring some violation of any of the thirteen specific criteria used to remove permanent employees — teachers essentially have a job for life. Many principals and education reform advocates have criticized tenure because it ties the hands of administrators [...]
