Education
We need a qualified workforce to support business expansion and secure the future growth of this county and the State as we improve our economy. The marketplace will offer jobs in the trades and in occupations that our current state structure does not sufficiently support.
Despite the fact that North Carolina has the highest number of National Certified teachers (www.ncpublicschools.org) in the country and devotes 57% of it’s budget to education ( over $12 billion this past year), we have a 30% drop out rate in our high schools that is among the highest in the nation. How is that possible with those kinds of outstanding resources? I do not believe that our teachers are at fault or that we are not sufficiently funding our educational system. Nor do I believe that more technology and after school programs are the answers.
The bottom line is that the results we are getting are unacceptable. The solutions we are implementing are not meeting expectations. We should look at the situation from outside the system and evaluate it objectively, set realistic goals, determine practical solutions, agree upon ways to measure performance and have flexibility to adjust.
How can we improve the State high school drop out rate?
A. Start with ZERO - BASED budgeting
1. Review of the Organization Chart
a. Elimination of unnecessary clerical/admin positions
b. Eliminate or reduce "curriculum coaches"
c. Revision of Tenure process
d. Serious curtailment of junkets/ conferences
B. Review and Revise the NC EDUCATION SYSTEM
1. Establish what we want to teach
a. more traditional, balanced, curriculum
b. prepare students for independence
2. Determine how we want to teach it
a. less emphasis on technology, more on the student
b. teach to the student, not to the test
3. Empower Teachers
a. adequate supplies/ books
b. More disciplinary authority
c. competitive performance -based pay
C. Provide for ALL STUDENTS' educational needs
a. Remove the Cap on Charter Schools, completely.
b. Close non-performing traditional schools, open vocational/ trade schools
c. Establish a PARENTS' BILL OF RIGHTS
d. Tag student funding to the student
►We must acknowledge that not every student is college bound and not every job in an emerging market will require a college degree. We must provide an educational opportunity for all of our students to prepare them to be productively employed citizens with the promise of a bright future. We must offer educational opportunities that challenge and interest each student not overwhelm them. The diversity in interests and career choices must be acknowledged and provided for.
►Charter and traditional high schools should be held to the same evaluation standards.
►The State should consider converting low performing high schools into vocational schools, preparing students for career opportunities right out of high school in the trades. Electrical, plumbing, masonry, heating and air conditioning are among career choices that will always be in demand and not only are high paying but often lead to self employment and financial independence.
►Legislation providing protection and tax credits for Home-Schooled students should be passed.
►The General Assembly should pass a “bill of Rights” for parents, entitling them to enroll their child in any school, public, private or charter by attaching state funding to the student.
