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Education Matters – Should schools scrap letter grades?

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Topic: Should schools scrap letter grades?

Carroll Middle School in Raleigh is scrapping letter grades for a new approach that is gaining traction nationally known as competency based learning and grading. We talk to the school’s principal Elizabeth MacWilliams on why they are making the switch. We also meet the 2018 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Teacher of the Year with an unforgettable name, Freebird McKinney of Alamance County.

Guests:

Elizabeth MacWilliams, Principal, Carroll Middle School, Raleigh

Freebird McKinney, 2018 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Teacher of the Year

Resources

EdLines

State Board of Education Chairman resigns
https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article215989995.html

State Superintendent lays out new DPI vision
https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article215931525.html

Education Commission chairman blasts cuts that supported low-performing schools
https://www.ednc.org/2018/08/02/comment-from-chair-of-the-commission-on-access-to-sound-basic-education-on-budget-cuts-aimed-at-low-performing-schools/

Interview Segments

Elizabeth MacWilliams
https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article214008929.html
https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/inspiring-america/inspiring-america-n-c-principal-visits-every-student-s-home-n726971

Freebird McKinney
https://www.wral.com/nc-s-new-teacher-of-the-year-is-named-freebird-/17500566/

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