Public School Forum

A think-and-do tank committed to North Carolina public schools

Education Matters ep. 171 The Science of Reading

The data is clear about the importance of children being able to read on grade level by third grade as a foundation of their education and future success. Today, we will delve into some shifts in how we think about early literacy and the direction the state and other partners are heading in regard to […]

Education Matters ep. 170 Developing a School Finance System that Provides Adequate, Equitable, and Efficient Resources to Every Child

Our schools require significant human and fiscal resources, and the way our schools are funded is an important key to supporting our schools and ensuring we are able to provide a high-quality and equitable education for all students. Here to talk about it are Jim Deal, Chair of the Finance Committee on the Leandro Commission, […]

Education Matters ep. 168 A Qualified and Well-Prepared Principal in Every School

School leadership is a critical component when it comes to effective learning outcomes. On today’s show, we will be talking with some amazing guests about the system of principal development and recruitment for a qualified and well-prepared principal in every school.  Guests: Dr. Shirley Prince, Executive Director – North Carolina Principals and Assistant Principals’​ Association […]

Education Matters ep. 167 Equity and Education Policy

Today we are coming to you from the second half of the 7th annual Eggs and Issues breakfast presented by the Public School Forum of North Carolina. Today’s discussion on Equity and Education Policy will be hosted by Lauren Fox, Senior Director of Policy at the Forum.  Guests: Maggie Murphy, Teacher, Allegheny County Schools Reagan […]

Collective Care: Generating a School Culture that Promotes Staff Wellness

By Stacey Riberdy For the past year, schools and school districts have been wrestling with how to support staff through the intense and chaotic demands of this pandemic. Whereas a growing understanding of trauma and social and emotional learning in education has highlighted the clear importance of staff wellness, the pandemic is bringing this critical […]

Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity/ Public School Forum Statement on Proposed NC Social Studies Standards

RALEIGH, N.C. (February 3, 2021) The Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity at the Public School Forum of North Carolina strongly supports the adoption of the revised state social studies standards that accurately and inclusively represent the complex past history and present-day realities of this country. These standards should include the terms “systemic […]

Education Matters ep. 165 Looking ahead to 2021 NCGA Long Session for Education

Coming into the new year with an eye toward the transition and recovery from COVID-19 brings changes and challenges to education. Here to speak with us on critical issues are statewide policymakers, State Superintendent Catherine Truitt, State Board of Education Chair Eric Davis, Representative Ashton Clemmons, and Senator Kevin Corbin.  Guests: Catherine Truitt, State Superintendent […]

Study Group XVII

North Carolina is second only to Texas in total population living in rural communities. Eighty of the state’s 100 counties are classified as rural, and 87 of our 115 public school districts are in rural counties. Thirty-six percent of all students in the state attend rural schools. Rural North Carolina has been hard hit by […]

Education Matters ep. 164 North Carolina After 3 pm: Afterschool Programs Rank 6th Nationally

From supporting social, emotional, and academic development, to providing a safe and supportive environment, Afterschool Programs have been a vital resource for students and their parents, especially during COVID-19. North Carolina is ranked among the top 10 states in afterschool programs and number 1 for parent satisfaction. To discuss more about this report and the […]

Demystifying the Pathways to Full Teacher Licensure: How Do I Become A Teacher in North Carolina?

As in other highly skilled careers, licensure requirements were put in place to ensure that candidates that enter the teaching profession are competent and effective. Unfortunately, licensure requirements can change from year to year and vary depending on the subject area in which a candidate plans to teach, making the pathway to obtaining full teaching […]

Education Matters ep. 161 Schools and the Community

Classrooms around the world have been looking very different this fall. Between virtual learning, smaller classrooms, and split weeks, learning has evolved into a challenge for many. Here to discuss some of the changes, successes, and the future, are state and local leaders in education. Guests: David Stegall, Deputy Superintendent of Innovation, NCDPI Freebird McKinney, […]

Assessment and Accountability During COVID-19: Supporting Safety and Learning for North Carolina’s Schools and Students

As school communities continue to navigate the impacts of a global pandemic, new learning environments (remote or hybrid) have brought forth complex challenges when it comes to safely, reliably and equitably assessing student learning using statewide standardized testing. Additionally, standardized tests are used for accountability purposes, which can create scenarios where students and educators experience […]

Education Matters ep. 163 National Board Certification

While each state determines its own teacher licensure and re-licensure requirements, for over thirty years the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards has worked to advance teaching through a voluntary National Board Certification process. North Carolina is the top state in the entire nation when it comes to the number of National Board Certified Teachers […]

Education Matters ep. 162 Schools as Community Partners

Schools do a lot more than providing education, they are pillars in communities that also provide students’ and families’ with supports for social, emotional, and physical needs. On today’s show, we will talk with some amazing guests that are making sure the whole child and the community are taken care of, especially during COVID-19. Guests: […]

New Household Survey: North Carolina Is a ‘Top 10 State for Afterschool, ’ Even as Unmet Demand for Programs Increases

PRESS INQUIRIES: Please contact Dr. Sheronda Fleming, Director, NC Center for Afterschool Programs, at sfleming@ncforum.org or 919-781-6833 x135. For inquiries for the Afterschool Alliance, based in Washington, DC, please contact Lisa Lederer at lisa@prsolutionsdc.com or 202-421-5825. Washington, DC (December 8, 2020) —Student participation that exceeds the national average and overwhelming parent satisfaction with afterschool programs make North Carolina a “Top 10 State […]

Participate Learning Partners with the Public School Forum of North Carolina to Address Educational Equity and Trauma-Informed Schools

(RALEIGH, N.C.— December 7, 2020) The Public School Forum of North Carolina is pleased to announce that Participate Learning has committed to being a Forum Partner. “We are thrilled and so grateful for Participate Learning’s gift and their desire to become a Forum Partner,” said Public School Forum’s Board Chair Tom Williams. “Participate Learning has […]

Education Matters ep. 161 Schools and the Community

Classrooms around the world have been looking very different this fall. Between virtual learning, smaller classrooms, and split weeks, learning has evolved into a challenge for many. Here to discuss some of the changes, successes, and the future, are state and local leaders in education. Guests: David Stegall, Deputy Superintendent of Innovation, NCDPI Freebird McKinney, […]

Education Matters ep. 160 Career and Technical Education

Programs in career and technical education provide students from middle school through post secondary school an opportunity to learn technical, academic, and career skills. Programs in CTE are crucial, while they help students, these programs also help communities in social and economic development. Here to teach us more are guests with local and state perspectives. […]