EducationNC

North Carolina's community colleges are facing a pivotal year in 2024. I have spent the past three months producing a landscape analysis I hope you will take the time to read. One key development will be the potential implementation of Propel NC, a new funding formula that could significantly impact the allocation of resources across the system. Additionally, the introduction of a three-year graduation plan and the mass expansion of Opportunity Scholarships may influence dual enrollment programs. Throughout the year, we will closely monitor these issues and their impact on the community college system in North Carolina. Stay tuned! https://lnkd.in/eSqz2hGD

When Liz Bell and I realized North Carolina's state legislature was not going to take meaningful action to support our state's child care system last year, we decided to look to other states for inspiration. Between September and December, we travelled more than 13,000 miles to learn how five states — Michigan, Massachusetts, Vermont, Oregon, and New Mexico — became leaders in early childhood policy and investment. Along the way, we identified four strategies that were crucial to their progress: advocacy from the business community, grassroots organizing, streamlining governance, and identifying/creating new funding streams. This month spoke with more than a dozen experts here at home about how these strategies could work in North Carolina. Here's what we learned. https://lnkd.in/ecbGAfqh

“I can't imagine not having a universal free breakfast and doing breakfast in the classroom,” said Kimberly Cullipher, nutrition director for Perquimans County Schools. She manages the operations for a team that is responsible for feeding up to 1,600 students on a daily basis. Cullipher uses creativity to make engaging and tasty menus that encourage more students to eat meals at school. So far, her creative approach seems to be working. The district is closing the breakfast gap, which is defined by the number of students that eat free-and-reduced price (FRP) school lunch but do not eat breakfast at school and their doing it relatively quickly. Read below to find out how. https://lnkd.in/gkRd-pQH

Jack Hoke is the executive director of the N.C. School Superintendents’ Association. He collects data from the superintendents about this time each year to find out where districts stand on vacancies. It’s difficult to compare year over year data, but with more districts reporting this year, vacancies across the board appear to be down compared to 2022. https://lnkd.in/gqvmB_2g

The North Carolina State University College of Education's Transformational Scholarships Program is welcoming its second cohort of future teachers. The students will receive $40,000 each over their time in school, plus mentorship and professional development opportunities, study-abroad stipends, and field experiences. They will then return to the eastern part of the state to teach for at least two years. “I love how the whole idea of being a Transformational Scholar involves giving back to the community,” said Dariana De Leon, a member of this year’s cohort from Edgecombe Early College High School. “I will be a part of innovation and change. I can’t wait to start on my education journey as a future educator,” said Leon. Learn more about the 20 teachers in this cohort below. https://lnkd.in/gtcDCdQB

"The building was just that extra piece that was missing,” says Superintendent Melanie Shaver. “And so I know that this building is more of a symbol, I think, of recovery.” Since the destruction caused by Hurricane Dorian in September 2019, the nearly 200 students and staff of the only school on this remote Outer Banks island — with a population of less than 800, according to the most recent census — have been largely separated from one another. But on Friday, Aug. 25, students cut the ribbon on the new Ocracoke School, just in time for their classmates to return for the new school year. Read more about the new Ocracoke School in this article by Katie Dukes https://lnkd.in/ezkz4n_U

"The building was just that extra piece that was missing,” says Superintendent Melanie Shaver. “And so I know that this building is more of a symbol, I think, of recovery.” Since the destruction caused by Hurricane Dorian in September 2019, the nearly 200 students and staff of the only school on this remote Outer Banks island — with a population of less than 800, according to the most recent census — have been largely separated from one another. But on Friday, Aug. 25, students cut the ribbon on the new Ocracoke School, just in time for their classmates to return for the new school year. Read more about the new Ocracoke School in this article by Katie Dukes https://lnkd.in/ezkz4n_U

On her first day of school in fourth grade, Ms. Thomas had an experience that shaped the the profession she would later choose and the person she has become. Her teacher's willingness to answer any question, consistent engagement with students, and inclusiveness of her and her classmates left a mark on the student-turned-teacher. As thousands of students and teachers begin the new school year, Ms. Thomas wants to remind teacher's of their why and encourage those new to the profession. "Your greatest strength is your newness in this profession," she said. Read more about Ms. Thomas' reflections at EducationNC. https://lnkd.in/gQ7w3_YZ

This week marks five years (!!!) for the Awake58 newsletter. I am grateful for the opportunity we collectively have to tell the stories of our community colleges at EducationNC. https://lnkd.in/ggkKFzzQ