Many families in Wake County discovered this morning that their children did not have a bus driver to bring them to school today. These families are worried about their own kids and others who may not have a ride to school. Many are feeling frustrated about the bus driver sickout, as well as other staffing […]
Bus Driver Sickout is a Symptom of a Much Greater Illness for Public Education
Education Matters ep. 190
We talk with a panel of parents whose children are participating in afterschool programs statewide. Parents share their perspectives regarding the current needs of their children and their view of the role and value of afterschool programs in the midst of the learning recovery process. Parent Guests: Monica Battle Rene Flores Martha Flores Shannon Ford […]
The Final Word: The Importance of Afterschool Programming
In 2020, the Afterschool Alliance released the 4th edition of the America After 3pm Report. In the report, North Carolina ranked #6 overall nationally for providing opportunities for children to participate in quality, affordable programs during out-of-school time hours before school, afterschool and in the summer. Out-of-school time programs statewide help children learn, grow, and […]
Education Matters ep. 189 A Conversation with Superintendents
This week we hear from superintendents across the state about what the biggest challenges and opportunities our schools and students face this year. Guests: Dr. Anthony Jackson, Superintendent, Chatham County Schools Dr. Jeff McDaris, Superintendent, Transylvania County Schools Dr. Eisa Cox, Superintendent, Ashe County Schools We are seeking leaders who make a difference in their […]
Education Matters ep. 188 Leandro Update: Historic Investments in our Public Schools are Needed Now
Today, we will be discussing foundational issues in education in NC through the lens of the 25 year Leandro court case. You may wonder why Leandro is important for your family or community or our state? If we want to have a thriving economy that attracts businesses, a workforce that is prepared for the many […]
The Final Word: Historic Investments in our Public Schools are Needed Now
By Mary Ann Wolf You may wonder why Leandro is important for your family or community or our state? If we want to have a thriving economy that attracts businesses, a workforce that is prepared for the many jobs and vacancies, and opportunities to keep our graduates in rural communities across the state, we must […]
Jonathan Helms and Sheneika Simmons Selected to Join National Afterschool and Expanded Learning Initiative
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Sheronda Fleming, PhD Director, NC Center for Afterschool Programs sfleming@ncforum.org 919.781.6833 x135 RALEIGH, N.C. (October 6, 2021) — The Riley Institute at Furman University has selected Jonathan Helms, Grant Development Director at the Boys & Girls Club of Cabarrus County, and Sheneika Simmons, Program Manager at the Public School Forum of North […]
Education Matters ep. 187 A Conversation with Superintendents
This week we hear from superintendents across the state about the biggest challenges and opportunities our schools and students face this year. Guests: Dr. Anthony Jackson, Superintendent, Chatham County Schools Dr. Jeff McDaris, Superintendent, Transylvania County Schools Dr. Eisa Cox, Superintendent, Ashe County Schools We are seeking leaders who make a difference in their school […]
The Final Word: Why should Leandro be important to you?
by Mary Ann Wolf Our superintendents lead schools with a deep understanding of what our kids need to be successful in school and in life beyond the classroom. On Education Matters this week, we heard from three superintendents who shared what they know to be critical elements that North Carolina must provide in our schools […]
Education Matters ep. 186 A Discussion with North Carolina’s Regional Teachers of the Year
Today we are continuing a series with the North Carolina Regional Teachers of the Year to learn more about what is happening in classrooms across the state this school year. Guests: Erin Ellington, Northwest North Carolina 2021 Regional Teacher of the Year, Watauga County Schools Kelly Poquette, Piedmont Triad North Carolina 2021 Regional Teacher of […]
The Final Word: Investing in North Carolina’s public school students, our communities, and our economy
by Mary Ann Wolf Twenty-seven years ago, some of North Carolina’s most poverty stricken school districts came together to do something about the educational conditions of their children. Together with plaintiff families, they initiated a lawsuit against the state of North Carolina, asserting that the state wasn’t doing enough to ensure all children were able […]
The Final Word: Attracting and encouraging NC’s best and brightest to become educators
by Mary Ann Wolf As I listened to North Carolina’s phenomenal Regional Teachers of the Year during today’s episode of Education Matters, I was reminded yet again that our state has work to do to ensure that the teaching profession is well-supported and attractive to our best and brightest educators and leaders. As the daughter […]
Education Matters ep. 185 A Discussion with North Carolina’s Regional Teachers of the Year
With classrooms full and a school year like no other, we decided to talk with some of the most impactful people when it comes to student learning outcomes, our teachers. Today we are kicking off a two week series with the North Carolina Regional Teachers of the Year. Guests: Susanna Cerrato, Western North Carolina 2021 […]
Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity/ Public School Forum Statement on Passage of HB 324
RALEIGH, N.C. (September 3, 2021) — This week, the NC General Assembly passed a final version of HB 324 and sent it on to the Governor. Since this bill was first introduced in May, the Public School Forum has continuously lifted up concerns about the impacts this proposed law could have on North Carolina’s students, […]
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To provide trusted, nonpartisan, evidence-based research, policy analysis and innovative programs that empower an informed public to demand that education best practice becomes common practice throughout North Carolina.
Education Matters ep. 184
On this episode, we’ll hear from the two most recent North Carolina principals of the year about the coming school year, teacher recruitment, and what schools need now more than ever. We’ll also hear from students about how they are feeling about the start of school. Guests: Kisha Clemons, Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the […]
Education Matters ep. 183 The Impact of HB 324 on Students, Educators and Classrooms
Last week the forum hosted a town hall meeting to share thoughts about HB 324 and hear from educators, lawmakers, and students about how this bill affects students, educators, and classrooms and about the importance of having critical conversations with students. Guests: Senator Don Davis, Rep. John Torbett, Rep. Ashton Clemmons, Rodney Pierce, Matt Scialdone,Jovan […]
Education Matters ep. 182 Back to School
The school year is quickly approaching, and students will soon be back to in-person learning. Today, we will talk with the 2021 and 2020 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Teachers of the Year, Eugenia Floyd and Maureen Stover. Guests: Eugenia Floyd, 2021 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Teacher of the Year Maureen Stover, 2020 Burroughs Wellcome Fund […]
Tickets and Registration Now Available for Virtual Color of Education 2021 featuring Nikole Hannah-Jones
Raleigh, NC (August 5, 2021) — Award-winning author and journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones, who kicked off the Color of Education series in 2018, returns this year to headline Color of Education 2021, a two-day virtual summit that will bring together people from all over North Carolina to exchange ideas and strategies that address systemic racial inequities […]
Education Matters ep. 181 A Conversation with National Leaders
Today we delve into education issues with two special guests, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, and U.S. Representative Alma Adams from the NC 12th district. These two life-long educators have been spending time on the ground in NC and share what they consider to be critical issues during Covid recovery and in the coming […]
Education Matters ep. 180 Increasing Diversity in STEM
Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity Student Voices Series, Increasing Diversity in STEM Guests: Ge Imoudu, Founder, Executive Director, STEM Skool Dr. Jamie Lathan, Dean, NCSSM Mariah Morris, 2019 NC Teacher of the Year Dr. Pamela Baldwin, Head of School, Global Scholars Academy Marco Garcia, Student, ECU Reagan Razon, Student Emmaline Rhodes, Student […]
Part 2: Budget Analysis 2021-23 — North Carolina’s children deserve a state budget that prioritizes their future
by Mary Ann Wolf, PhD We have made it well over a year now since the onset of COVID-19, when our lives — and our public schools — were turned upside down. During this time period, for which no words seem to adequately capture all of the challenges everyone has faced, we can say this: […]
Education Matters ep. 179 Budget and Priorities: Federal, State, and Local Roles in Education
Today on our show, we’d like to take the time to explain the federal, state and local roles in education, and how each of those actors contribute to supporting education in different, yet very necessary ways. Joining us to discuss these roles are Lindsay Wagner, the Director of Communications for the Public School Forum, and […]