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U.S. gender wage gap grows for first time in a decade; Trump has embraced NC's Mark Robinson, calling him 'Martin Luther King on steroids'; Volunteers sought as early voting kicks off in MN; Women's political contributions in congressional races fall short of men's.

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Rising threats of political violence, a Federal Reserve rate cut, crypto industry campaign contributions and reproductive rights are shaping today's political landscape.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

North Carolina Educators Speak Out on No Child Left Behind

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Monday, September 27, 2010   

GREENVILLE, N.C. - The No Child Left Behind Act has remained controversial during the almost 10 years since its passage. This fall, Congress will choose whether to reauthorize the legislation as it stands or opt for a different way to improve education.

Today, educators from several North Carolina counties will visit the Greenville office of U.S. Rep. Walter Jones to voice their concerns about the law. Among those concerns are the punitive sanctions on low-scoring school systems and what they call an "overemphasis" on test scores, says Sheri Strickland, president of the North Carolina Association of Educators.

"We want to be sure that however the federal government is going to measure our schools, it is in a way that is fair."

The group of educators will deliver paper plates to Jones, each inscribed with messages suggesting how to reform No Child Left Behind. The plates symbolize the idea that the burden of the legislation should be "taken off their plates."

President Obama is reportedly in support of replacing the legislation; he wants to see more non-test accountability for students and schools.

Supporters of No Child Left Behind point to an increase in reading skills and per-pupil spending in some counties as a result of the legislation. However, educators such as Melissa Davis, a kindergarten teacher in Pitt County, want to see legislation they feel is more in touch with what goes on in the classroom on a daily basis.

"Have they been in the classroom? Have they seen the looks on the kids' faces when they're so upset because they're worried about how well they did on the test or that the test is tomorrow and they don't feel like they're prepared?"

Rep. Jones is aware of their visit and offered meeting space to discuss the issue. Organizers call this a "different type of town hall meeting."

Strickland hopes today's event and others will help Congress and the President understand what the revamped legislation should include.

"We need support from the federal level. We probably do need some framework, but we don't need these mandates that are inflexible."




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