(Guest Post by Matthew Ladner)
So…wow…the NC budget proposal is chock full of K-12 reform. Click on the link and check out:
Pages 67-69
TFA expansion
Pages 70-73
College Board Partnership
Pages 73-38
School Vouchers for Low-Income Students
Pages 98-101
A-F School Grading
Pages 102-127
Teacher Contract and Dismissal language
North Carolina lawmakers seem likely to pass a special needs voucher program as well.
On the choice front, if both programs pass more than 50% of North Carolina students will become eligible to exercise private choice in the state. The choice efforts of 2011, 2012 and now 2013 rank as the three most successful years in the history of the parental choice movement. If North Carolina passes this set of reforms, they will join as fraternity of states pursuing K-12 reform over the objections of the special interests which typically dominate K-12 policy formation. The quality of implementation and the sheer determination of reformers in the state will be the ultimate keys to the success of these reforms.
The kids starting with the least have the most to gain.
Jay P. Greene's Blog 
NC’s surprisingly sexy budget also includes:
– Bonuses (in year two) for the top teachers in the state
– A requirement that the State Board of Education receive legislative approval to implement Common Core assessments
– Increased budget flexibility and transparency requirements for school districts
– Funding for additional school safety measures
Funny how the mainstream media doesn’t report these facts, isn’t it?
[…] State these days is life and opportunity in action. While Matt Ladner celebrates North Carolina going big on vouchers and other significant education reforms, the North Carolina Association of Educators […]
[…] is on a roll. Last week, Governor Pat McCrory (R) signed a budget passed by the state legislature chock-full of education reforms, including a new school choice option for children from low- and middle-income […]
[…] is on a roll. Last week, Governor Pat McCrory (R) signed a budget passed by the state legislature chock-full of education reforms, including a new school choice option for children from low- and middle-income […]
[…] is on a roll. Last week, Governor Pat McCrory (R) signed a budget passed by the state legislature chock-full of education reforms, including a new school choice option for children from low- and middle-income […]
[…] is on a roll. Last week, Governor Pat McCrory (R) signed a budget passed by the state legislature chock-full of education reforms, including a new school choice option for children from low- and middle-income […]
[…] on the roll. A week ago, Governor Pat McCrory (R) signed a budget went by the condition legislature chock-filled with education reforms, together with a new school choice choice for children from low- and middle-earnings […]