The Department of Public Instruction’s website includes resources for students and families for transportation, school nutrition, dropout prevention, and so on. If you want to pledge to go "All In" for public education, use the form on the right to stay informed about opportunities with NCAE or if you would like to volunteer in this critical election. November 3, 2020 North Carolina General Election, Superintendent Of Public Instruction: Compare the candidates biographical profiles and positions on … What‘s horrible is how much money the state has spent. He was first elected in 2016 and was sworn into office on January 1, 2017. The form above will help you find out who your NCAE-endorsed candidates are for 2020. But the most important for education could very well be the race for state Superintendent of Public Instruction.Current state Superintendent Mark Johnson will have his name on the ballot in … • Public-private partnerships in communities without community-based mental health services SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION: [ Mark Johnson (R)* - Lost Primary for Lieutenant Governor in 2020. ] Rather, it is used to attempt to hold schools accountable for achieving certain standards through one-and-done assessments that are not nationally normed and do not measure a student’s ability to demonstrate mastery of standards. She believes that grades are more a reflection of teacher accountability than student achievement. While the Department has made efforts to include mental health in its school safety agenda, I think this issue needs to be a stand-alone initiative that encompasses all aspects of mental health. This school year’s focus must be on remediation, growth, and safety and while assessments are important, they should be used to gauge learning rather than as an accountability measure. Solutions include: Mental health training and trauma-informed practices training for all school personnel, Funding for higher numbers of school counselors, nurses, and social workers, Public-private partnerships in communities without community-based mental health services, Integration of mental health issues into elementary health curricula, COVID-19-specific resources to help teachers recognize trauma and respond effectively. With all but three of the state’s 2,662 precincts reporting, Truitt held a lead of 51.4% to 48.6% for Mangrum. Candidate Questionnaire: Keith Sutton, Superintendent of Public Instruction. ● Organize an advisory board made up of teachers of color, to share their experiences and ideas to recruit and maintain teachers of color. This fall’s winner will replace Mark Johnson. Other states were noticing. This is a livestreaming event. ● sufficient media center resources The WestEd Report recommends funding for these positions. Utilize DPI resources effectively, efficiently and smartly in order to meet the needs of school districts instead of purchasing unnecessary devices and glossy marketing fliers. Furthermore, North Carolina should redesign its assessment program to include NC Check-Ins as standard as well as give nationally normed mid- and end-of-year tests that are performance-based and generate data that can be used to help students continue to grow. • COVID-19-specific resources to help teachers recognize trauma and respond effectively   Mangrum believes we must work with districts to eliminate the link between student achievement and certain social and cultural factors (e.g. However, given my platform and the opportunity to get in front of the Governor, the members of the General Assembly and collaborate with the State Board of Education, I believe I can do the following to address the issues faced by public schools. A specific listing is provided at the end of the document. Currently, the effects of Covid-19—job loss, family stress, isolation, lost opportunity—leave our young people vulnerable to increased mental health issues. In my experience, the biggest frustration for teachers is the lack of professionalism and respect for our career. Despite what opponents of current legislative leadership say, state funding for education has increased; per pupil spending up 20 percent since 2014. But most important is protecting the teacher retirement system fund we have for future and current educators—something many states have failed to do. Jennifer Mangrum In addition, salaries were appropriate. Furthermore, North Carolina should redesign its assessment program to include NC Check-Ins as standard as well as give nationally normed mid- and end-of-year tests that are performance-based and generate data that can be used to help students continue to grow. They are used as punitive measures against children and the schools which they attend. ● Engage all employees at DPI in hard conversations about racism and its impact on public education. Achievement was rising and opportunity gaps were closing. Truitt believes Leandro is a significant decision requiring that all students – regardless of zip code – have access to an education that meets objective, quality metrics. PENC will not endorse candidates and will not tell you how to vote, but we do believe it is important for you to make an informed decision at the poll. I decided to run for political office precisely because of the increasing demands on school personnel and the lack of support for North Carolina’s public schools over the past decade. The current school accountability model is flawed on many fronts, not the least of which is that it is not student-centered. Current State Superintendent Mark Johnson is running for lieutenant governor, leaving the chair for North Carolina’s superintendent open to many candidates … I absolutely believe that laws/policies such as this one negatively impact recruitment! Rather than testing all the time, schools should develop holistic measures that address more than just a child’s academic needs. The Superintendent of Public Instruction leads public education for kindergarten through twelfth grade. Per pupil spending is up 20 percent since 2014, but North Carolina schools haven’t moved the needle on student achievement. NC Superintendent Candidates Talk About Reading, Teachers And COVID-19 Response WFAE | By Ann Doss Helms Published October 26, 2020 at 4:02 AM EDT ● Expand the Teaching Fellows program and include all HBCUs. More local control is also needed so superintendents have greater budget flexibility. The form above will help you find out who your NCAE-endorsed candidates are for 2020. With primary day here, we take a look at all of the candidates for State Superintendent of Public Instruction below. While the Department has made efforts to include mental health in its school safety agenda, I think this issue needs to be a stand-alone initiative that encompasses all aspects of mental health. Rather, it is used to attempt to hold schools accountable for achieving certain standards through one-and-done assessments that are not nationally normed and do not measure a student’s ability to demonstrate mastery of standards. Mangrum promises that she will work with lawmakers to ensure that no child’s future is merely determined by their zip code and will work to implement the plan outlined by the WestEd report. The problem however is with local funding. Efforts to diversify the teaching workforce must be part of our Leandro work to ensure there is a highly qualified teacher in every classroom. The Superintendent of Public Instruction makes decisions about things like school funding, special education, and statewide testing. My role would be to advocate for them as mentioned in question #1. We need testing that is student-centered. North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, Superintendent Mark Johnson, IStation, mClass, spying, Carolyn Guthrie, Information Technology. Sixty-there percent of fourth graders cannot read proficiently nor do math on grade level. Truitt supports programs like the Opportunity Scholarship Program, because she believes low-income parents need to have choices just like high-income parents do. Catherine Truitt – bio . We need a new way to test because we have failed the student. Parents and students often do not receive the results of these tests until well into summer and they provide little benefit to teachers. published 12:29 pm et sep. 27, 2020 published 12:29 pm edt sep. 27, 2020 SHARE Democrat Jen Mangrum and Republican Catherine Truitt face off over education issues that the NC Superintendent of Public Instruction will be facing. In her first run for office, Truitt took 51.4% of the vote to … Thu. There are 2 candidates for the office of North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction. I’d like to see a post-pandemic transformation of our schools in which our focus is no longer competition, high stakes testing, and big tech but instead the well-being of our children and schools that foster creativity, communication and critical thinking. When schools closed this spring, many high-poverty districts focused more on offering supports to students, while teachers in more affluent districts were more likely to teach virtually. We are currently #4 in the Southeast and I want North Carolina to be #1. For decades, however, Republican and Democratic administrations have failed to meet that obligation in all corners of our state. The current system is broken and needs fixing. What do you envision as a better plan to evaluate schools? Under Governor Pat McCrory our schools were committed to austerity budgets and harmful privatization schemes. ● clean and inspiring facilities Establish an Office of Equity Affairs at DPI. Skip to content (Press Enter) NC Election. The Superintendent of Public Instruction makes decisions about things like school funding, special education, and statewide testing. When schools closed this spring, many high-poverty districts focused more on offering supports to students, while teachers in more affluent districts were more likely to teach virtually. Answer from Catherine Truitt: The process damages students with too much assessment and stigmatizing some groups. State Rep. Craig Horn, a Republican from Union County, is officially a candidate for State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Here, we examined the candidates for state superintendent of public instruction. The state has invested a great deal of resources into school safety, including SROs and active shooter training, but we lack resources in mental health. A fifth-grade teacher whose students are anywhere from 1 to 3 years behind cannot be expected to bring all students to the same level during nine months’ time. Local superintendents with help from DPI should create a plan to address the learning gaps that are in place now and that will continue to grow. She thinks $140 million is too much to spend on the voucher program. Prospects must see that there are opportunities for advancement and see themselves as leaders. t info@nccivitas.org, State Superintendent of Public Instruction. NC Election Information. Solutions include: James Barrett . If you want to pledge to go "All In" for public education, use the form on the right to stay informed about opportunities with NCAE or if you would like to volunteer in this critical election. She supports charter schools and does not believe they drain funds from the public schools; are held to satisfactory levels of financial accountability and transparency and also believes charter schools should receive facility funding. They are starving schools of resources. Feb. 11, 2020. Even before COVID-19, lack of school support staff has been an issue integral to teacher retention and student success. 2020 Candidates for NC Superintendent of Public Instruction We encourage you to take time this season to do your homework and to learn about the candidates who are seeking your vote. Mangrum opposes the Opportunity Scholarship Program. Feb. 11, 2020. A one-size-fits-all approach won’t work for our schools and our students. Raleigh, NC – When Democrat Jen Mangrum and Republican Catherine Truitt first filed to run for state superintendent of public instruction, neither could have expected that the central issue of the 2020 race would be whether to allow public schools to provide in-person instruction to North Carolina children. race, ethnicity, family economics, disability etc.). This is one example of the NCGA overreacting to concerns instead of reflecting and planning the most effective solutions. This November, North Carolina voters have the opportunity to elect a new superintendent of public instruction. For more detailed descriptions of candidate positions see the following: Truitt believes all students must have the opportunity to receive a high-quality education and that starts with literacy. 4) Use commonsense and my years of experience in the classroom and school building to remove barriers that negatively impact school personnel. Five Democrats and two Republicans are running in the March 3, 2020 North Carolina primary election for state superintendent of public instruction. The superintendent of public instruction in North Carolina is popularly elected every four years, in presidential election years. A one-size-fits-all approach won’t work for our schools and our students. Equity in Education is Mangrum’s top priority. Gov., incumbent Republican Mark Johnson will be passing on the duty of overseeing the state public school system to one of the seven candidates. According to EdNC and also in light of the recent Black Lives Matter movement, “NC public schools are becoming increasingly diverse with students of color now making up more than 50 percent of total enrollment. How much impact do you feel this has on teacher recruitment and retention? Truitt favors getting rid of EOGs and EOCs in favor of nationally normed summative tests. Parents > United States > North Carolina > Superintendent of Public Instruction Office: Superintendent of Public Instruction : Type: General Election: Filing Deadline: December 20, 2019 - 04:00pm Central: Polls Open: November 03, 2020 - 05:30am Central I also had greater job satisfaction because I had a full-time Teacher Assistant, excellent benefits and my classroom supplies were provided for me. The Department of Public Instruction’s website includes resources for students and families for transportation, school nutrition, dropout prevention, and so on. Answer from Catherine Truitt: NC Superintendent Of Public Instruction Primary 2020. I will use data to support these recommendations and use the bully pulpit to inform the public of the impact these positions have on student learning. Candidates for NC Superintendent Of Public Instruction in NC. Mangrum says funding must not only address academic development but student well-being. North Carolina has 100 counties, 115 school systems, and hundreds of public charter schools. In this way, “grades” are used to promote or devalue realty and property values. North Carolina State Superintendent Mark Johnson was elected to lead the state’s public schools in 2016. Teachers are giving insulin shots, making sure a child has a place to sleep at night, and serving as testing coordinators. ● Establish an Office of Equity Affairs at DPI. Truitt believes charter schools should receive the same funding as public schools and believes North Carolina should adopt a formula of weighted student funding for schools. Both candidates have significant experience in K-12 and higher education but have very divergent perspectives on policy matters. Catherine Truitt, Chancellor of Western Governor's University and Republican candidate for NC State Superintendent in 2020. I’d like to see a post-pandemic transformation of our schools in which our focus is no longer competition, high stakes testing, and big tech but instead the well-being of our children and schools that foster creativity, communication and critical thinking. Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s Teacher-Leader salary supplement should be considered as an option for statewide implementation. North Carolina has one of the top 5 teacher and state employee retirement systems in the country. Even before COVID-19, lack of school support staff has been an issue integral to teacher retention and student success. The benefits to students of color of having a more diverse teaching workforce are clear—higher attendance rates, better school performance, higher aspirations for students of color, and even benefits to other teachers of color. ... > NC Superintendent Of Public Instruction Primary 2020. Truitt asserts the current system is not working. They make sure schools follow state and federal law. After a decade of decreased rates of suicide in teens throughout the 90’s, it is now the second leading cause of death among 15-24-year-olds while the suicide rate among ages 10 to 24 has increased by 56 percent in two decades. Top The NC Parent-Teacher Association, Public Schools First NC, the Public School Forum of North Carolina, and the NC League of Women Voters are pleased to co-sponsor a candidate’s forum for the March primary for NC Superintendent of Public Instruction. Listen and make decisions based on the recommendations and needs of people working in the field. Mangrum believes everyone likes choice because choice is a good thing. Teachers in North Carolina have received pay increases every year for the past five years until this past session, which ended in a stalemate between the Governor and the legislature. Prospects must see that there are opportunities for advancement and see themselves as leaders. Answer from Catherine Truitt: We need to bring it back into the classroom to ensure all children can read and are literate. Mangrum believes the current system isn’t failing; but is underfunded. 3. Teaching is one of the few professions that still provides free health care prior to retirement and the current benefit package for teachers is over $16,000 per year—money that teachers do not have to set aside in a 401K or for large healthcare premiums (many of which run a family of four $12,000 per year). Ensure ALL North Carolina high school graduates are college and career ready with the skills necessary to succeed in a 21st century global economy. Catherine Truitt won the race to become N.C.'s Superintendent of Public Instruction. It is funded at about 90% (national average is 75%) and uses a benefit design that has prevented the spike in pension costs that other states have seen. Jen Mangrum – bio. I question why schools are assigned “grades”. 3) Utilize DPI resources effectively, efficiently and smartly in order to meet the needs of school districts instead of purchasing unnecessary devices and glossy marketing fliers. I also had greater job satisfaction because I had a full-time Teacher Assistant, excellent benefits and my classroom supplies were provided for me. However, he should be expected to grow each and every student in his care. High stakes testing is big money testing and it’s wrong. 2020 Candidates for NC Superintendent of Public Instruction We encourage you to take time this season to do your homework and to learn about the candidates who are seeking your vote. Maybe that explains why there was a surplus of teachers in 1989 and last year we had 1300 vacancies on Day 40 of the school year. These 7 candidates are running for NC state superintendent of public schools in 2020 By T. Keung Hui, The News & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.) 2/15/2020 U.S. … ● Committed to hiring a diverse group in DPI especially in my cabinet. Truitt does not believe charters contribute to segregation. The people closest to the students have the most knowledge and skills. She also favors efforts to revamp the testing system and making it less threatening. • Public-private partnerships with HBCU’s and minority-serving institutions to bolster recruiting efforts Something needs to give. Furthermore, teachers of color—especially women—are more likely to have attended a for-profit institution that caters to their need for a more flexible schedule, resulting in poor outcomes and a greater debt burden. Are you in favor of repealing this state law? Question 3: School Grades During Superintendent Johnson’s tenure, the Board and he have often been at odds.The tone was set early when the General Assembly passed legislation just prior to Johnson being sworn in that transferred powers from the State Board to the superintendent. More time focused on reading and math/foundational skills in K-3 classrooms. NC Superintendent Candidates Talk About Reading, Teachers And COVID-19 Response WFAE | By Ann Doss Helms Published October 26, 2020 at 4:02 AM EDT Truitt opposes reinstating a cap on the number of charter schools. Truitt argues for redefining student success in terms of not merely proficiency in math or reading but in terms of mastery. Question 2: School Safety Teachers must be able to focus on supporting their students within the confines of the classroom; we cannot continue to expect teachers to take on the responsibility of teaching as well as that of a social worker and school nurse. She believes growth and achievement tests can be tools, but they should be used as stand-alone and not as parts of the same metric. • Mental health training and trauma-informed practices training for all school personnel Answer from Catherine Truitt: All students need and deserve a quality education experience this Fall. I recommend a plan that emphasizes the following: Regular screenings to identify the largest learning gaps and address these through intensified Tier 1 instruction, School-wide social-emotional learning supports so that students are mentally and emotionally ready to resume learning, Growth for all students as the key metric when conducting progress monitoring. Segregation was already in neighborhoods long before charter schools emerged on the scene. However, given my platform and the opportunity to get in front of the Governor, the members of the General Assembly and collaborate with the State Board of Education, I believe I can do the following to address the issues faced by public schools. Teaching is one of the few professions that still provides free health care prior to retirement and the current benefit package for teachers is over $16,000 per year—money that teachers do not have to set aside in a 401K or for large healthcare premiums (many of which run a family of four $12,000 per year). 1) Advocate with key stakeholders and communicate to the public the need to adhere to the Leandro Court ruling; funding the state’s constitutional obligation to provide every child with a sound, basic education. As North Carolina heads into the general election, the superintendent of public instruction race will be one to watch. • Loan forgiveness programs for those who teach in high-needs areas Ensure ALL North Carolina high school graduates are college and career ready with the skills necessary to succeed in a 21st century global economy. Thu. We need a measure to determine where we are as students and schools. All staff should be eligible and receive bonuses because all staff contribute to student well-being. Hundreds attended the … We don’t have enough school nurses, psychologists, social workers or school resource officers. The State Superintendent has no regulatory authority over local superintendents and should be a support to district leadership, not a hindrance. I was not evaluated on results of a high stakes test but on peer and administrative observations, reflection of my teaching, and the strategies I used to enhance my craft. • Growth for all students as the key metric when conducting progress monitoring  Democratic Candidates . 2020 NC Elections, Candidates, Races and Voting. These positive aspects have disappeared. As State Superintendent, I do not have the power to make laws or approve the public education budget, that is the responsibility of the General Assembly. Establish a vision and core values through the lens of equity that guide our work and decision making at DPI. The WestEd  Report documented how prior to 2010, North Carolina invested in public education and it helped generate favorable outcomes. My role would be to advocate for them as mentioned in question #1. ● examples of feedback and communication to students and parents Currently, those grades reflect only the level of family poverty. ● student access to nutritious meals • Include teachers of color in the hiring process  Tweet. General election candidates Maybe that explains why there was a surplus of teachers in 1989 and last year we had 1300 vacancies on Day 40 of the school year. Question 4: Recruitment and Retention Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s Teacher-Leader salary supplement should be considered as an option for statewide implementation. I absolutely believe that laws/policies such as this one negatively impact recruitment! Superintendent of Public Instruction Running for Lt. SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION: [ Mark Johnson (R)* - Lost Primary for Lieutenant Governor in 2020. ] State Superintendent of Public Instruction Candidates Below are the candidates for State Superintendent of Public Instruction. The earlier we can reach our young students of color, the better chance we have of immersing them in a career of education. This has sustained the status quo in segregating communities. In 2010, the General Assembly changed hands. Our Children, Our Future Save the Date – September 10, 2020 NC Superintendent of Public Instruction Candidate Forum. I am happy to give my personal endorsement to Dr. Jennifer (Jen) Mangrum, who is running for State Superintendent of Public Instruction in North Carolina. STATE AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER: Steve Troxler (R)* - (Campaign Site) This year two new candidates, Catherine Truitt and Jennifer Mangrum are vying for the office. Raleigh, NC 27609, t 919.834.2099 Answer from Catherine Truitt: With all but three of the state’s 2,662 precincts reporting, Truitt held a lead of 51.4% to 48.6% for Mangrum. , Republican and Democratic administrations have failed to do that the current system is significantly underfunded and needs of working. 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