Need to know: COVID-19
- As of Friday, October 2, there were 214,684 confirmed cases. See cases by county here.
- The share of positive tests as a percentage of total tests is 5.8%.
- North Carolina is now in Phase 3. Find out more about that here.
Dropping knowledge
The Community College Research Center and the Aspen Institute just released a dual enrollment playbook focused on increasing equitable access to high-quality dual enrollment programs. The report draws on nine dual enrollment programs in Florida, Ohio, and Washington that have higher rates or and stronger outcomes for students of color and outlines five guiding principles:
- Set a shared vision and goals that prioritize equity.
- Expand equitable access.
- Provide advising and supports that ensure equitable student outcomes.
- Provide high-quality instruction that builds students’ competence and confidence.
- Organize teams and develop relationships to maximize potential.
Read the rest of the report here.
The other 49
A new Brookings Institute report looks at the impact of COVID-19 on three swing states: North Carolina, Florida, and Ohio. The report compares COVID-19 case rates in the three states (Ohio and North Carolina followed a similar path whereas Florida was hit much harder) and corresponding impacts on job losses and small businesses.
North Carolina’s metro areas have experienced relatively similar job loss patterns compared to Ohio and Florida where some metro areas have experienced far greater job losses than others.
The report also looks at how small businesses have rebounded since April and finds that small businesses in Ohio have rebounded faster than in both North Carolina or Florida. The authors attribute that to successfully controlling the virus as well as targeted policies to help small businesses.
For your consideration
A few weeks ago, I posted about Emily Oster’s efforts to gather data on COVID-19 in schools by asking districts and schools to report their infection rates and what prevention measures they are taking. The dashboard displaying these survey results is now live and updates every two weeks. Check it out here.
While reported student and staff infection rates have increased slightly in the past few weeks, the numbers are still very low, as you can see in the graphic below. Additionally, about half of responding schools have some form of in-person learning.
What we're reading
How to cast your vote in North Carolina’s 2020 general election
The 2020 general election on Nov. 3 is just weeks away, and important deadlines are fast-approaching. If you’re planning to vote in the 2020 election in North Carolina, this information is for you. ... Read the rest-
Everything Is Up for Grabs in North Carolina This Election Day. The Consequences for Public Schools Could Be Huge
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The 2021-22 FAFSA opens today. Here’s what’s different this year.
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Why not all screen time is the same for children
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Ocean May Be Key to Feeding World: Study
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What Will Cold-and-Flu Season Mean for the Coronavirus Pandemic?
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Mothers Are 3 Times More Likely Than Fathers to Have Lost Jobs in Pandemic
