9/10/2021

New from EdNC

What’s the value in punishment? These community groups say school discipline must include healing

by Rupen R. Fofaria | September 9, 2021

Andrew Harding is a white man who teaches social studies and coaches football at Tarboro High School, where enrollment is more than 80% Black. He doesn’t reach for the concept of “colorblindness” to connect with his students, though. He reaches...

Perspective | Another skirmish plays out in the long ‘culture war’

by Ferrel Guillory | September 10, 2021

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper is expected to veto – as he should – a Republican-sponsored bill that would constrain public school teachers in dealing with America’s racial history. The legislation would make it more difficult for North Carolina to meet...

The Editor’s Notes

The Belk Foundation released its annual report yesterday. Learn more about their strategic issues third grade reading proficiency and equitable access to effective teachers, two components that are critical to accelerate learning.

This week, Carolina Business Review features SC Superintendent Molly Spearman and our Dan Gerlach, talking education with Chris William. From the battle over mask mandates to teacher pay, they take a look at the biggest issues facing the region’s kids and educators in light of this new normal. You can watch on PBS Charlotte tonight at 8:30pm.

As we head into the week, take a listen to this playlist curated by Superintendent Jeff McDaris for educators across NC. It’s called “The Weekly Reckoning.”

Yesterday, Governor Roy Cooper urged school districts to continue mask mandates. Here is more from the press release:

“We know that keeping kids learning in the classroom is the most important thing for our students right now. Getting vaccinated, wearing a mask in public indoor settings and following the science is what we need to do,” said Governor Cooper. “The faster we put this pandemic behind us, the sooner we can all rest easy and stay healthy.”

Currently, 109 school districts covering more than 95% of children have mandatory masks. That is an increase from three weeks ago when only 74 school districts covering roughly 64% of children statewide were requiring masks. The first weeks of school have brought more COVID cases among schoolchildren, which can lead to quarantines when schools don’t have strong mask requirements in place. School districts should follow the CDC’s recommendation and require masks and keep other important safety measures in place as we continue battling the pandemic. 

“Thank you to everyone who is doing everything they can to help us get through this critical point in the pandemic and to protect one another,” said Secretary Cohen. “Please talk with your family and friends who are not yet vaccinated. Ask them to join you in vaxing up and masking up.”

Need to know

• Jill Biden: A Tribute to Classroom Heroes

  Time | September 2, 2021

• Why a Covid-19 Vaccine for Children Is Taking So Long

  The Wall Street Journal | September 6, 2021

• Children and COVID-19: State Data Report

  AAP | September 2, 2021

• Meet The Overlooked: 10.8 million children lacked access to the learning options they needed during COVID-19

  The Walton Family Foundation | August 31, 2021

• SCHOOL DISTRICT SPENDING OF AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDING

  AASA | September 1, 2021