Public School Forum

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

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. […]

Diana Paredes

Diana Paredes Afterschool STEM Expansion Vista As the Afterschool STEM Expansion Vista, Diana works with the program coordinator and director to support and continue NC CAP’s initiative to bridge the gap among STEM programs across North Carolina. Prior to joining NC CAP, Diana earned a Bachelor’s of Arts in Exercise and Sport Science with a […]

Education Matters ep. 157 Policing in Schools and Discipline Disparities

Today on the show we will discuss racial equity focusing on discipline disparities, the school to prison pipeline, and School Resource Officers. Our goal is to share research, explore what is working and what is not working in various contexts, and consider recommendations for how we support the whole child with an equity lens. Guests: […]

Education Matters ep. 156 Color of Education

Joining us to discuss the Color of Education are speakers and organizers of the event. Guests: Dr. William “Sandy Darity, Professor in the Sanford School of Public Policy, Professor of African and African American Studies, Professor of Economics, Duke University Bettina Umstead, Chair, Board of Education, Durham Public Schools Shannon Bowman, University Connections Liaison/Teacher, Centennial […]

Broadband Internet – The Foundation for a Sound Basic Education

Broadband internet, defined as a download speed of 25mbps or higher, is a foundational resource for work, school, and life in North Carolina — and even more so today, as families and educators engage in remote learning efforts in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Physical broadband infrastructure problems are a challenge for rural […]

Education Matters ep. 155

We kicked off our third annual Color of Education Summit virtually this week, spotlighting the intersection of race, equity, and education. Joining us to discuss this are speakers and organizers of the event.  Guests: Dr. Keisha Bentley-Edwards, Associate Director of Research, Duke University Cook Center on Social Equity Dr. Lauren Fox, Senior Director of Policy, […]

Education Matters ep. 153 Broadband and Digital Learning

For more than 200,000 homes with students across NC, Broadband access is limited or non-existent. Even when Broadband is available, other barriers to adoption and usage prevent many of our households from being connected. During this pandemic, many students rely on walking to publicly available wifi or buses with Internet access. Districts have been creative […]