Dear readers,
Three years ago, the N.C. Center for Public Policy Research affiliated with EducationNC to combine our in-depth, nonpartisan research and analysis with EducationNC’s reach, journalism, and new media platform to provide North Carolinians with a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing our state. And that’s exactly what we’ve done in 2019.
We started 2019 with an in-depth series on North Carolina’s early college high schools, doing a deep dive on the model, exploring what the research says, and highlighting how early colleges support underserved students. In June, the North Carolina Senate proposed phasing out the supplemental funding early colleges receive — a move that led one local school board to vote to close their early college.
CEO & Editor in Chief Mebane Rash asked “Why? Why? Why? Why are cuts to early colleges on the table?” We combined in-depth research with stories of impact, drawing attention to the proposed funding cut and calling for an explanation from state legislators. As a result, the compromise budget passed by the legislature did not include a phase out of early college funding.
Our coverage of early colleges is just one example of how the Center provides trusted, independent research and storytelling to surface public problems. This summer we published James Ford’s studies of equity in education in North Carolina: E(race)ing Inequities: The State of Racial Equity in North Carolina Public Schools, along with Deep Rooted: A Brief History of Race and Education in North Carolina. We also explored community college enrollment and funding, North Carolina’s education pipeline, teacher preparation, and youth e-cigarette use. And throughout the year, we continued to publish our weekly policy newsletter, Friday@Five, along with the Weekly Insight column.
Both in our leadership role in the national Governmental Research Association and as we travel across the state, we hear from people across all lines of difference about what matters to them. We are excited to announce the 2020 launch of a two-year study of health, education, and poverty in all 100 counties. Next year will also bring continued in-depth research on postsecondary attainment, starting with a look at the transfer student experience in North Carolina.
We are excited about the year ahead. We hope you share in our excitement and will support our work to provide nonpartisan, independent research with a year-end donation.
While we launch a new website and ahead of EdNC’s 5th anniversary in January, EdNC and NCCPPR are taking a break to enjoy the holidays from Saturday, December 20 until Monday, January 6. Friday@Five will be back in your inbox January 10.
Thank you for being loyal readers of Friday@Five, and best wishes for a happy, restful holiday season!
Molly
What we're reading
Can science knock down barriers to reading proficiency and rescue Read to Achieve?
If you read anything this week, read this article from EdNC's Rupen Fofaria. He looks at how a coalition of leaders in North Carolina is working to change the way reading is taught based on science. ... Read the rest-
Twin presence of obesity and undernutrition reflects shifts in global food systems
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The Lasting Health Effects of Moving to a Wealthier Neighborhood
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Congress Finalizes Bill to Help Millions Pay Back Student Loans
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eLEARNING DAYS: A scan of policy and guidance
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The Next Nuclear Plants Will Be Small, Svelte, and Safer
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As more colleges experiment with online remediation, some students flourish while many others fall behind
