As Obama Touts Common Core, The State Standards Spread Slowly Across U.S.: Study–HuffPost

Amy Bednarz, an English as a second language teacher in a Massachusetts elementary school, is confused. She doesn’t know exactly what to teach.

For years, she’d been told that the state standardized tests were a make-or-break aspect of her teaching and should drive her instruction. Then came the professional development meetings this summer where she was told to teach the Common Core State Standards, a new set of academic benchmarks now being adopted by the majority of U.S. states. She got a worksheet, a binder and little guidance. (More)

AdvancEd raises Wake schools’ accreditation status today – News & Observer

RALEIGH — AdvancEd, the national accreditation body that told Wake schools to improve its governance and overall climate last year or potentially lose its high schools’ accreditation, has improved the system’s rating from a warning to a higher level called "accreditation on advisement."

The Georgia-based body investigated the Wake schools’ system of governing based on a complaint from the state NAACP. Many of the complaints arose from a tumultuous period in 2010 in which a newly elected, Republican-backed board faced controversy over the way it handled meetings and changed policies. (More)

See related:

Wake County Public Schools

NC NAACP Statement on Governor Perdue’s Decision Not to Run for Re-Election

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 26, 2012   For More Information:           Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II, President, 919-394-8137                                                 Mrs. Amina Turner, Executive Director, 919-682-4700   (DURHAM) – Gov. Beverly Perdue is a stalwart friend of justice.  With her strong voice and her steady veto-pen, she has stood on the side of justice against the frontal assault against minorities’ rights by the ultra conservatives in the General Assembly.  She has taken seriously her oath to uphold the Constitution, which requires those in government to govern for the good of the whole, to protect and strengthen public education, to create economic vitality, to protect civil rights, to ensure equal protection and racial justice under the law.   Gov. Perdue has remained true to her love of all our children and their fullest development.  When she had to choose between what was good for North Carolina children and all of its citizens, and what was good for her own career, she took the road of principle.  This is how history will record of the legacy of the first of many women governors we will have.  The civil rights community prays she will remain strong in the remaining days in office, and that she will continue to fight for the good of the whole . . .for the good of all North Carolinians.   ###   Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.

 

PRESS RELEASE: Butterfield Announces $2.8 Million in Grants to Upgrade District Airports

 

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For Release:  Immediate     Date:  January 26, 2012

Contact: Kezmiché "Kim" Atterbury  Phone:  (202) 225.3101                                                   Mobile: (202) 465.5125

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Butterfield Announces $2.8 Million in Grants to Upgrade District Airports

 

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) today announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) awarding of $2.8 million in grants to seven airports throughout eastern North Carolina.  The grants were awarded to make several critical upgrades to Martin County Airport, Northeastern Regional Airport, Tarboro-Edgecombe Airport, Tri-County Airport, and Warren Field.  In addition, the grant funds will be used to remove runway obstruction at Oxford-Henderson Airport and to expand the runway at Plymouth Municipal Airport. 

 

“This grant comes at a time when shovel-ready jobs are needed to put people back to work,” Butterfield said.  “These funds will improve the accessibility, safety, and service for aviation passengers in eastern North Carolina.  I congratulate the grant recipients for their vision to upgrade these airports and I am pleased that NCDOT has shown commitment to improving air travel in rural communities.”  

 

The grants are made possible by the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) administered by the FAA.  AIP grants are provided directly to NCDOT by the FAA, where they are subsequently assigned to high-priority projects and matched with state and local funds.  Congressman Butterfield voted for the AIP in November of 2011.

 

Yesterday, Butterfield supported a short-term extension to authorize funding for the FAA through February 17, 2012.  The extension provides time for the House and Senate to reconcile two different bills passed by each chamber last year. 

 

“Congress must not hesitate to pass a clean, fully funded, long-term extension of FAA programs, which will create jobs, increase safety, and improve infrastructure at rural airports like those in eastern North Carolina.”

 

 

http://www.Butterfield.House.Gov

 

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Media Advisory: National NAACP President Travels to NC to Stand With NC NAACP and the HKonJ People’s Assembly Coalition

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 26, 2012   For More Information:           Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II, President, 919-394-8137                                                 Mrs. Amina Turner, Executive Director, 919-682-4700   National NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Jealous Travels to North Carolina to Stand with North Carolina NAACP and Coalition in Promoting Mass Mobilization for February 11 March on Raleigh   (DURHAM) – National NAACP President Benjamin Todd Jealous is traveling to North Carolina on Saturday to stand with North Carolina NAACP President and National Board Member Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II, local NAACP branch presidents and partners in the Historic Thousands on Jones Street (HKonJ) People’s Assembly Coalition as they announce and discuss the rationale for the 6th HKonJ People’s Assembly in February. They will hold a news conference at NC Mutual Life building, 411 West Chapel Hill Street, Durham, NC 27701 on Saturday, January 28 at 9:00 AM.   The themes for this year are "Forward Together, Not One Step Back!" "We Must Stand for Freedom and Defend Democracy" "We Will Not be Defeated or Divided" "We Shall Pursue Liberty and Justice for All" "We the People Shall Not be Moved"   "The nation is watching North Carolina as a crucial state where voting rights and economic justice are under attack," stated NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous. "On February 11th, people of all colors will come together to challenge persistent poverty, unequal education and voter suppression in North Carolina. We will show the nation that America is at its best when we struggle together for inclusiveness, diversity and opportunity."   Voting rights, equitable education for all, combating poverty, jobs and economic justice, the Racial Justice Act, protecting constitutional rights, equal protection under the law and the widespread unjust treatment of immigrants will shape this year’s People’s Assembly.   "This year’s People’s Assembly and our March on Jones Street are more important than ever," said Rev. Dr. William J. Barber. "If you believe in voting rights, fighting poverty, funding high quality education for every child and moving North Carolina forwards and not backward, you should march with us on February 11. We must keep an eye on Jones Street, where we have seen ultra conservative extremists in the General Assembly put forward some of the most regressive public policy agendas ever."   Barber continued, "This rally is about mass mobilization for February 11, mass organization after February 11, and mass civic participation. We must stand for a progressive agenda that promotes the "good of the whole" rather than an agenda based on the whims and narrow ideology of a few."   The Historic Thousands on Jones Street People’s Assembly Coalition is considered to be one of the nation’s broadest and diverse anti-racist, anti-poverty and anti-war coalition movements in the nation. For over fiver years, the Coalition has fought for a 14-point Progressive Legislative Agenda in the NC General Assembly (attached).   ###   Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.   PDF of HKonJ6 Flyer with 14-Point Agenda

 

Forward email This email was sent to thedcn@embarqmail.com by northcarolinanaacp@gmail.com |   Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. NCNAACP | 114 W. Parrish Street | Second Floor | Durham | NC | 27701

Charlotte Mayor Anthoy Foxx considers run for N.C. governor – Charlotte Observer

Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx has opened the door to a possible run for governor, hours after Gov. Bev Perdue, a fellow Democrat, announced she wouldn’t run.

"I remain focused on Charlotte and the substantial work ahead," Foxx said in a statement this afternoon. "I will spend the coming weeks talking with my family and friends about how I could best serve our city and state, and I ask the public and media for some patience as I work through those conversations." (More)

Tedesco announces bid for top state schools post – WRAL

Raleigh, N.C. — Wake County school board member John Tedesco announced Thursday that he’s seeking the post this year as the state’s top education official.

"I think it’s critical, at this time, that our children in North Carolina have a true champion who is willing to fight for the complex issues that will give them opportunities in education," Tedesco told WRAL News. (More)

Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton launches bid for governor – News & Observer

Lieutenant Governor Walter Dalton has launched his bid to replace Gov. Bev Perdue, who earlier today said she will not run for re-election.

He announced his intentions in this prepared statement to the media:

“I believe that our future economy and better jobs depend on our historic commitment to education.  (Read more)

Rep. Brad Miller not seeking another term – WTVD 11

Response: It has been reported that Miller may seek the office Governor since Governor Beverly Perdue will not be seeking re-election. C. Dancy II – DCN Publisher

RALEIGH (WTVD) — U.S. Rep. Brad Miller announced Thursday that he would not seek re-election.

The Congressman released an early morning statement about his decision not to seek another term, because he said he wanted his supporters to hear about it from him.

Miller said there would be "no joy" in his campaign if he sought office again and ran against David Price, who currently represents District 4. (More)

 

Gov. Bev Perdue Will Not Seek Re-Election – Her Statment

Dear Friend –   Like the rest of the nation, North Carolina has been facing difficult economic times — demanding many difficult decisions.  I have had to make painful budget cuts in important areas of government.  But I believe I have approached this challenge in a way that is consistent with my values and the values that have made our state a wonderful place to live and raise a family.  I have spent my tenure in office – and, in fact, my adult lifetime – fighting for things that I care deeply about.  And as anyone who knows me will tell you, I do not back down from tough fights. But I understand this:  We live in highly partisan times, where some people seem more worried about scoring political points than working together to address the real challenges our state faces.  And it is clear to me that my race for re-election will only further politicize the fight to adequately fund our schools.   A re-election campaign in this already divisive environment will make it more difficult to find any bipartisan solutions. The thing I care about most right now is making sure that our schools and schoolchildren do not continue to be the victims of shortsighted legislative actions and severe budget cuts inflicted by a legislative majority with the wrong priorities.  Therefore, I am announcing today that I have decided not to seek re-election.  I hope this decision will open the door to an honest and bipartisan effort to help our schools. To those of you who have supported me throughout my years of public service, I will always be grateful for the confidence you have placed in me. In my remaining months in office, I look forward to continuing to fight for the priorities we share, by putting North Carolinians back to work and investing in our children’s future. To my children and grandchildren, and especially to my husband Bob, thank you for always being there for me – especially as I’ve weighed this difficult decision. Thank you all, and God bless North Carolina.   Sincerely, Bev

 

Bev Perdue NC Governor won’t seek re-election – WTVD

RALEIGH, NC (WTVD) — North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue said Thursday she will not seek re-election this fall.

"We live in highly partisan times, where some people seem more worried about scoring political points than working together to address the real challenges our state faces. And it is clear to me that my race for re-election will only further politicize the fight to adequately fund our schools. A re-election campaign in this already divisive environment will make it more difficult to find any bipartisan solutions," she said in part in a statement. (More)

Family Values? Republican Allegedly Owes over $100,000 in Child Support – Your Black World News

Maybe Republicans aren’t immune to the baby-daddy/child support epidemic after all.   Rep. Joe Walsh, the congressman who has lectured the Obama Administration on financial irresponsibility is himself a bit sloppy when it comes to both money and his children.

Walsh owes over $100,000 in child support payments, according to . . . (More)

Homegoing for LaTosha Draughn Jones Formerly of Pinetops, NC

My condolences goes out to Debbie Draughn, Bobbie Brown and the family of the late LaTosha Draughn Jones.

Script.: Read Eccles. 3 and know, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven”

Song: The Storm Is Over Now – Kirk Franklin

The Obituary

Funeral Service for Latosha Denise Jones will be Sunday 2:00 PM @ GW Carver School in Pinetops NC.
Viewing will be at Morningstar Church in Pinetops from 5:00–7:00.

Wards Funeral Home Robersonville NC

More obituaries

Breaking News: Edgecombe County Boys & Girls Clubs Locations South Edgecombe & Phillips To Close

The Edgecombe County Boys & Girls Club at South Edgecombe Middle School met with the parents today Wednesday, January 25, 2012 to announce they would be closing. There will be a meeting at the Phillips Middle School soon to announce they will be closing also.

Sources say The Boys & Girls Club will remain open at Princeville Elementary School for now however The B & G Club is seeking a building within the county to house children from all over the county in one location. I understand The B & G Club has talked to a property owner about a building that would be an idea location.

The DCN will be following this issue to see how it all unfolds.

I have volunteered to video The Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year event that will be held on February 16, 2012 12:00 noon at the Gateway Center in Rocky Mount so maybe I will learn more at this event.

 

‘Welcome to Tarboro – your electricity’s been turned off” – The Daily Southerner

TARBORO — When I returned from Paris last May, I was a little stunned to come into a warm house.  Not seeing the red digital light on the stove, I could only think:  “oh, shoot, I neglected to pay my utility bill before departing.”

Before I could put down my purse, it was “off to the races,” and I immediately hopped in my car, and drove downtown to the Town Hall to check it out. (More)