RALEIGH, NC (June 9, 2022) – Today, the Dudley Flood Center (“Flood Center”) announces its “reimagining” of the historic Jeanes Teachers program with the creation of the new Jeanes Fellows Program. Dr. Deanna Townsend-Smith, Senior Director of the Flood Center said, “When reimagining education, we must provide proven solutions of success with students and educators […]
We’ve Got a New Look
Welcome to the new Public School Forum of North Carolina website! We hope you love it as much as we do. Please take some time to explore our site for the latest research on North Carolina public education, interactive resources and archived past work. As this is a brand new site, if you hit any […]
Education Matters ep. 204 Principals and Social-Emotional Learning
Most of you watching today know children who are in our schools right now. We’ve talked a great deal with educators and students themselves about the challenges and promising moments of this year. On today’s show, we will talk with three elementary school principals about how our kids and educators are doing – and what […]
The Final Word: Principals and the Support They Provide
By Mary Ann Wolf I have had the opportunity to work with hundreds and hundreds of principals over the years, and I am often reminded about the very unique – and often lonely position – that principals have as school leaders. They are the only one in their building with their role, and they are […]
Education Matters ep. 203 NC Beginning Teachers of the Year
Today we have the privilege of introducing the 2022 Beginning Teacher of the Year, Xavier Adams as well as one of his students and the beginning teachers of the year from the inception of the program in 2020. For beginning teachers who are just starting from scratch, the first year of employment is challenging to […]
The Final Word: Beginning Teachers
Do you know a high school or college student who wants to be a teacher? Do you know others in your community who are thinking about changing careers to become a teacher? We need to encourage more individuals to consider education for their careers. Our teacher pipeline has decreased significantly over the past decade, and […]
Education Matters ep. 201 Supporting the Needs of Student Mental Health Part 2
Most of you probably know a student or even students who have struggled with mental health. Supporting students’ mental health has always been a challenging and important issue for schools — and today more than ever, the mental health needs of students are complex and significant as we navigate this global pandemic. Reporter Rupen Fofaria of […]
Education Matters: Celebrating 200 Episodes
Today is a special day for our show—over the last 5 and a half years, we have been so fortunate to produce 200 episodes of Education Matters that tell the story of why public education in North Carolina is so important for our children, families, and communities. We have had discussions ranging from the potential […]
The Final Word: Words of Wisdom From Dr. Dudley Flood
For our 200th episode of Education Matters, we were so fortunate to be joined by Dr. Dudley Flood, who is a legendary education hero who was instrumental in desegregating North Carolina’s public schools in the years following Brown v. Board of Education. He is also the namesake of the Public School Forum’s Dudley Flood Center […]
Education Matters ep. 197 The Importance of Leandro
For those of you who regularly tune in, you know that we often talk about the importance of the Leandro Case, which is focused on ensuring a sound, basic education for all students. The case has been ongoing for 25 years and yet, many people still don’t know what it could mean for education and […]
The Final Word: North Carolina Has Waited Too Long for Every Child to Have Access to a Sound Basic Education
By Mary Ann Wolf It has been nearly 30 years since the beginning of North Carolina’s school funding case known as Leandro, which was filed by plaintiffs in five poor school districts who gave voice to the fact that their children couldn’t get the education they deserved. Since that time, it has been repeatedly found […]
Education Matters ep. 199 Eggs and Issues 2022: Measuring Progress
Public School Forum of NC Releases Progress Report on Top Education Issues 2021-22
RALEIGH, N.C. (February 17, 2022) — The Public School Forum of North Carolina released its Progress Report on the Top Education Issues 2021-22 today during its eighth annual Eggs & Issues event. This year’s report takes a new approach, outlining both the progress made and gaps that remain when it comes to the Forum’s priorities […]
National Afterschool Association Honors Sheneika Simmons Among Its 2022 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders
WASHINGTON, D.C. February 9, 2022 – The National AfterSchool Association (NAA), the voice of the afterschool profession and lead organization for the advancement of afterschool professionals and leaders has selected Sheneika Simmons, Program Manager of Wake Forest, NC as one of NAA’s 2022 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders. In selecting its 2022 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders, the […]
Dr. Deanna Townsend-Smith Named Senior Director of the Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity at the Public School Forum of NC
RALEIGH, N.C. (February 7, 2022) — Dr. Deanna Townsend-Smith, a long-time educator and advocate for educational equity, has been named Senior Director of the Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity. “I am excited to begin the role as Senior Director for the Flood Center,” said Dr. Townsend-Smith. “Throughout my career, my mission has […]
Education Matters ep. 198 Trauma-Informed Practices
The Final Word: Supporting Trauma-Informed Practices in Schools
By Mary Ann Wolf and Elizabeth DeKonty As we continue our focus on the whole child and student mental health, it is important for us to consider how a child’s experiences affect their brain and their behavior. When I think back to teaching two decades ago, the research about Adverse Childhood Experiences had not yet […]
Education Matters ep. 196 Supporting the Needs of Student Mental Health
Education Matters ep. 195 Part 2 of our Discussion with NC Regional Teachers of the Year
Education Matters Ep.194 A Discussion with NC Regional Teachers of the Year
The Final Word: Messages from North Carolina’s Regional Teachers of the Year
Each week on Education Matters, we offer a “Final Word,” from our host, Dr. Mary Ann Wolf, offering commentary on the state of our public schools. This week, as we collectively face another very challenging time in our schools, in our communities, and across our nation, we want to lift up the voices of some […]
Education Matters ep.192 Dual-Language Programs and School Choice
The Final Word: Public Schools Offer More Choices than Ever Before for Families Across North Carolina
By Dr. Mary Ann Wolf Did you know that North Carolina is a leader in global education? Our global commitments represent a unique statewide initiative that was adopted by the Partnership for 21st Century Learning as a national framework for investing in the support and vision necessary to prepare our students for a global workplace. […]