school choice
Rep. Tricia Cotham touts school voucher expansion on national stage
In a recent op-ed for the conservative National Review that is both celebratory and defiant, Rep. Tricia Cotham, a Republican from Mecklenburg County, made a case for opening up the state’s school voucher program to the state’s wealthiest families. The North Carolina General Assembly is currently weighing bills that would allow any parent, regardless of […]
Senate advances bill to to spend billions of public money on private school vouchers
North Carolina is moving to a “backpack” school funding model to allow parents to take state education dollars to the schools of their choice, even private ones, says Sen. Michael Lee, a New Hanover County Republican. Lee made the comment Wednesday during a discussion about Republican-backed Senate Bill 406, which would expand the state’s “Opportunity […]
Terry Stoops turns to advising Superintendent Catherine Truitt after Charter School Advisory Board resignation
On Tuesday, conservative columnist and former John Locke Foundation education studies director Terry Stoops announced his resignation from the Charter School Advisory Board (CSAB). Stoop’s resignation comes on the heels of his announcement last month that he was leaving the John Locke Foundation to accept a new post with the NC Department of Public Instruction […]
Report: Decline in teachers with traditional education degrees linked to growth in charter schools
As charter schools proliferate across America, there has been a corresponding decline in the number of new teachers earning bachelor’s degrees in education from traditional educator preparation programs, according to a new study from the National Center for Research on Education Access and Choice (REACH). Researchers Doug Harris, the national director of REACH, and Mary Penn, a research partner at the center, found that for every 10% increase in charter school enrollment...
Leandro plan provides a golden opportunity for progress and common ground on school choice
In January, Governor Roy Cooper surprised many by issuing an official proclamation recognizing School Choice Week. The proclamation had long been a priority of school choice advocates in North Carolina such as the North Carolina Association for Public Charter Schools, which viewed the gesture as “an olive branch.”
During National School Choice Week, the case for anti-racism in North Carolina’s educational system
Unless we acknowledge and address the racist history of school choice, we will perpetuate it.
It's National School Choice Week. Following a year of reinvigorated examination of the history and current role of racial oppression in American institutions, like policing and elections, this week provides all parents, educators, administrators and advocates a worthwhile opportunity to likewise reflect upon the historical role of race and racism in the school choice movement.
Elizabeth Warren releases new education plan, includes $450 billion in federal aid
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a favorite for the Democratic nomination for president, is famous for her plans. Education Week reports Warren has a plan for education now too, and it includes $450 billion in new federal aid for “disadvantaged students.” The plan is likely to draw a sharp contrast with President Donald Trump’s administration, which has made […]
School choice groups fire back over criticism of another voucher expansion
Accountability is a slippery word to the leadership of the N.C. General Assembly. Republican legislators in the House and Senate oft crow about the need for accountability — financially and academically — in North Carolina’s traditional public schools. Of course, nobody really disagrees, although there’s something terribly galling about the relative lack of either for […]
Education Secretary Betsy Devos pushes her school choice agenda at conference for education writers
One could never mistake U.S, Education Secretary Betsy Devos for a victim, but she sure played one Monday during the 72nd Education Writers Seminar being held in Baltimore. Standing before a roomful of education writers from across the nation, Devos sternly accused Big Media of using her name to score page views. “As much as […]
Teacher: North Carolina charters are draining traditional schools
One of today’s best commentaries comes from Charlotte teacher and occasional Policy Watch contributor Justin Parmenter, who wrote this morning for Capitol Broadcasting Company that, like it or not, North Carolina’s booming charter school industry is draining traditional schools. It’s an appropriate topic this week, with school choice advocates celebrating National School Choice Week. State […]
Diversity improves as more students enrolled in charters
Enrollment has climbed to 109,389 students in North Carolina’s 184 charter schools, which is an 8 percent increase over the previous school year, according to the state’s annual report on charter schools. The State Board of Education will discuss the report on Wednesday during its first meeting of the new year. The enrollment increase is […]
Wayne County superintendent thinks ‘restart application’ will be a slam dunk
On paper, the options before the state Board of Education next week regarding the much-discussed Carver Heights Elementary School in Wayne County seem simple.If the board does not approve the school’s Restart Model application to grant the school charter-like flexibility, then Carver Heights will be taken over by the state and transferred to the controversial […]