Advocacy Bites
66 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 23 ratingsA Podcast about two accidental education advocates, what they've learned and how you can get involved in making your corner of the world a better place, whether you have one minute or one hour.
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Episodes
65 A Field Guide to Misinformation: Know Your Tropes.
April 22, 2024 10:00 - 30 minutes - 30.6 MBSusan and Renee discuss common tropes used around public education.
64 Michele, Oh Hell.
April 01, 2024 15:04 - 21 minutes - 22.2 MBSusan and Renee sound the alarm (again) over Michele Morrow, the extremist running for NC Superintendent of Public Instruction. Show notes: https://saynotoextremistso.wixsite.com/my-site-1
63 Another Turn on the Leandro-Go-Round
March 18, 2024 19:17 - 19 minutes - 21.1 MBRenee and Susan review the most recent developments in the Leandro case, why none of it is ok and why we're still hopeful and determined anyway. Show notes: Video of the February 22 rally: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32uHt16uX_8 Roundup of press coverage of the Leandro hearing: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1C6If03hz7vkVGZqXygZHULAgpzXB_UUxaJlJ8cMgqmg/edit
62 The One With the Miscellaneous Updates
March 05, 2024 15:16 - 25 minutes - 26.1 MBSusan and Renee talk about what to expect in the upcoming legislative short session, what happened at the most recent meeting of the Futurama Committee, and what's at stake in the primary elections. Show notes: https://www.ncleg.gov/Committees/CommitteeInfo/HouseSelect/218/Documents/17303
61 The Futurama Strikes Back
February 19, 2024 12:50 - 29 minutes - 30.1 MBSusan and Renee discuss two issues in the news: the return of the Futurama Committee, and the debacle in Durham public schools. Links to the documents considered by the Futurama Commitee: https://ncleg.gov/Committees/CommitteeInfo/HouseSelect/218/Documents/
60 Funding Wars: A Tiny New Hope
January 29, 2024 15:26 - 22 minutes - 23.8 MBSusan fills us in on a glimmer of hope for one type of school funding, where the legislature may actually be considering making things better. Article that inspired this episode: https://www.wunc.org/education/2024-01-08/state-education-officials-recommend-changes-to-special-education-funding-services?fbclid=IwAR2cLQMP4vYjHAy9a-vkxz4S6Bv6zWl8QCsKnWRDjSeUAv7a1CQSCx5o7ls Postcard event: https://www.facebook.com/events/775929144577012/?ti=ls And don't forget to vote for us ...
59 Looking Ahead
January 16, 2024 15:59 - 29 minutes - 29.9 MBRenee and Susan talk about what's coming in 2024 and what they think voters should look out for.
58 The Ugly, Bad, and the Good. Our Year in Review.
December 28, 2023 20:58 - 23 minutes - 24.6 MBRenee and Susan break down the year in education.
57 A Little Help From Your Friends
December 11, 2023 16:03 - 36 minutes - 36.1 MBSusan and Renee welcome special guest Sarah Montgomery for a discussion of the importance of working in coalition. Resources: www.everychildnc.org
56 Hot Off the Press
November 28, 2023 14:43 - 19 minutes - 21.2 MBSusan and Renee discuss the importance of local press and provide some tips and how-tos for handling the press and writing Letters to the Editor.
55 What About The Lottery?
November 13, 2023 14:13 - 19 minutes - 21 MBSusan and Renee do a deep dive on the ties between the state lottery and education funding. Show links: https://www.npr.org/2023/01/12/1148167357/lottery-money-state-by-state-mega-millions-powerball https://themissouritimes.com/press-release-floor-leader-john-j-diehl-jr-proposes-putting-state-lottery-back-ballot-calls-games-dishonest-way-fund-public-education/ https://publicschoolsfirstnc.org/resources/fact-sheets/the-facts-on-the-nc-education-lottery/ https://yout...
54 Bonds. School Bonds.
October 30, 2023 13:26 - 23 minutes - 24.4 MBSusan and Renee dive into the deep need for school construction bond in NC, and what’s happened to previous efforts to pass one. 5 Year School Facilities Needs Report: https://wwwcache.wral.com/asset/news/education/2021/08/31/19852081/2109_BSOP_8_FNS_2020_Report_FINAL_-_2021-08-25_2755693hvsgnrblescr15gd3kacqoz-DMID1-5s26byplt.pdf Every Child webinar: Cracks in the Foundation: Facing NC's Public School Infrastructure Crisis. https://fb.me/e/53rSGIXFP
53 Don’t Say What?
October 16, 2023 10:37 - 31 minutes - 31.9 MBSusan and Renee break down S49, what it does and doesn’t include, and what to look for as schools try to make sense of it all. Links: https://www.ncleg.gov/Sessions/2023/Bills/Senate/PDF/S49v4.pdf https://ncnewsline.com/briefs/school-leaders-want-delay-implementing-parents-bill-of-rights-requirements/ https://www.wunc.org/education/2023-10-04/nc-board-of-education-schools-parents-bill-of-rights-pronouns https://www.wfae.org/education/2023-08-23/cms-response-to-nc-parents-...
52 Five Ways to Spot Lying Candidates
October 03, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 26.6 MBSusan and Renee share five action items to help determine which candidates are untrustworthy. https://www.politico.com/news/2023/08/09/party-flippers-democrats-becoming-republicans-00110334
51 Voting This Fall
September 18, 2023 19:29 - 28 minutes - 28.9 MBInfo about accessible voting: Accessible Voting - DRNC (disabilityrightsnc.org) Info about anti-voter bills: 5 Things to Know About This Week in North Carolina Politics (Aug. 28, 2023) - YouTube Voter ID Info: Voter ID — You Can Vote
50 The Civility Trap
September 05, 2023 14:35 - 20 minutes - 17.2 MBSusan and Renee celebrate their 50th episode with a discussion of how civility is weaponized to stop discourse and to protect bad actors.
49 Beyond NC
August 22, 2023 10:00 - 29 minutes - 29.5 MBRenee and Susan highlight some education news coming from outside of NC, but that reflect trends we're either seeing here to expect to see soon. Links: Lawsuit aims to halt opening of St. Isidore, a Catholic charter school - The Washington Post PragerU's whitewashing of Frederick Douglass is exactly how you indoctrinate children with falsehoods about Black history - TheGrio
48 And Now For Something Completely Different
July 24, 2023 10:00 - 24 minutes - 25.4 MBEveryone needs a break once in a while, so Susan and Renee talk about the books, tv shows and podcasts that we use when we want some mental downtime. Books Jesus and John Wayne: Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation (Paperback) | Quail Ridge Books One Nation Under God: One Nation Under God: How Corporate America Invented Christian America (Paperback) | Quail Ridge Books The Nazi Seizure of Power: The Nazi Seizure of Power: The Expe...
47 I’ll Be There
July 10, 2023 10:00 - 17 minutes - 19.3 MBSusan and Renee discuss why just showing up can make a big difference.
46 The Free Market Isn't
June 19, 2023 18:02 - 22 minutes - 23.5 MBIn Part 4 of our series on privatization, Susan and Renee take on the idea of "competition" and why it can't work when applied to education. Plus, show notes, for once! Contact information for House Members, downloadable in Excel: House Member Information - North Carolina General Assembly (ncleg.gov) Contact Information for Senate Members, downloadable to Excel: Senate Master Directory - North Carolina General Assembly (ncleg.gov) The Book Susan mentions: The Privatizat...
45 Private Eyes Ain’t Watching You
June 05, 2023 18:17 - 21 minutes - 17.6 MBOur series on vouchers continues with an exploration of the very different meaning of “accountability” applied to private schools as opposed to public schools.
44 Arguing with God
May 22, 2023 09:55 - 26 minutes - 27.1 MBIn part 2 of our series on vouchers, Renee and Susan discuss why “school choice” really isn’t for most families.
43 All About Vouchers, Part 1
May 08, 2023 14:14 - 24 minutes - 25.2 MBRenee and Susan kick off a series of episodes diving into private school vouchers.
42 Gettin' Wonky With It
April 24, 2023 10:00 - 20 minutes - 21.6 MBSusan and Renee welcome guest Kris Nordstrom to talk about the (very bad) school funding overhaul bill filed by the GOP. Read Kris' report on the bill here: https://www.ncjustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Senate-Bill-670-Policy-Brief-4-13-23.pdf?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=f029d843-21dd-4fab-bb4a-3b514812d240
41 It’s Like Nick at Nite, But Bad
April 10, 2023 13:16 - 19 minutes - 20.8 MBSusan and Renee discuss the House Budget which has more re-runs than late-night cable.
40 You Oughta Know
March 27, 2023 09:00 - 24 minutes - 25.4 MBRenee and Susan provide an overview of the themes emerging at the General Assembly this year.
39 Dealing with the Firehose of Bills
March 13, 2023 13:15 - 20 minutes - 21.9 MBRenee and Susan talk about the toll that fighting against an endless stream of bad bills can take, and provide tip on how to stay ready to fight.
38 Don't Say Leandro
February 27, 2023 11:00 - 21 minutes - 22.2 MBRenee and Susan talk about the recent demands that advocates not use the word Leandro at the legislature, and what that says about the people who set limits on why and when they'll listen to their constituents. Head here to send a note to your own legislators urging them to fund Leandro now: https://p2a.co/JRQd3gl
37 The Equalizer
February 15, 2023 14:04 - 22 minutes - 23.8 MBSusan and Renee discuss an exciting opportunity Susan had to discuss what we really need to make public schools succeed, and we muse about the goal of public education.
36 So You’ve Decided To Go To The Legislature
January 30, 2023 11:00 - 27 minutes - 28.3 MBThe NCGA is back in session! Want to visit your legislators? Susan and Renee give you the rundown on where to park, how to get around, and what to expect during your day on Jones Street. Show Notes: Parking Map: https://docs.google.com/document/d/136L6qw6p3B0xLzFPevr9EoU7zC67isNmkSpM7fRyDAI/edit?usp=sharing Legislative Building Map: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZU9I2HUbf2Z7M43zr3H8rP0QInqMyvNKpLCuXoGEAZM/edit?usp=sharing The NCGA Website: https://www.ncle...
35 Tomorrow Never Knows: The Final Futurama Report
January 09, 2023 13:59 - 26 minutes - 27.3 MBhttps://webservices.ncleg.gov/ViewDocSiteFile/72556
34 Be It Resolved
December 05, 2022 09:00 - 19 minutes - 17.6 MBSusan and Renee close out 2022 with our proposed New Year’s Resolutions for public education in NC.
33 Leandro at Last
November 21, 2022 15:21 - 21 minutes - 22.7 MBSusan and Renee break down this month’s landmark Leandro victory and tell you why there’s reason for hope and optimism. Leandro decision: https://appellate.nccourts.org/opinions/?c=1&pdf=41895
32 Attitude of Gratitude
November 14, 2022 14:01 - 20 minutes - 18.5 MBSusan and Renee reflect on the things we are grateful for as we head into Thanksgiving week.
31 The Discomfort Debate
October 31, 2022 10:00 - 21 minutes - 19.7 MBRenee and Susan debate the utility of “get over it” as advice for dealing with discomfort in advocacy. Call to action: please submit comment about the teacher licensing proposal: https://tinyurl.com/PEPSCcontact
30 Election-palooza Part 4: School Safety — Beyond the Buzzwords
October 17, 2022 08:00 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MBSusan and Renee discuss how schools are meant to keep all kids safe, and why that doesn't necessarily mean an SRO in every school.
29 Election-palooza Part 3: Funny Money and Politicians Who Think They Aren’t
October 10, 2022 08:00 - 16 minutes - 14.9 MBWe continue our series on election talking points and what they really mean.
28 Election-palooza Part 2
October 03, 2022 11:30 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBRenee and Susan address the evergreen trope that schools have “bloated central offices” and plenty of money.
27 Election-palooza Part 1
September 26, 2022 08:04 - 26 minutes - 24 MBDebate with Tyler Swanson and Michele Morrow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukiCFy8LVM8&t=4159s&ab_channel=JustinPorter Wake League of Women Voters of Wake County School Board Candidate Forums https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtt_OGRr2C6w3kVzwmb09KQ
26 Leandro Supreme
September 19, 2022 08:00 - 23 minutes - 21.1 MBRenee and Susan visit the Leandro case (again) to update you on what went down at the NC Supreme Court. Susan also reflects on the Month of Action she helped plan. Resources for Leandro Resolutions: https://everychildnc.org/local-resolution/
25 Advocacy is the heart of PTA
September 06, 2022 08:05 - 21 minutes - 19.8 MBNational PTA: https://www.pta.org/ PTA Positions: https://www.pta.org/home/advocacy/ptas-positions For Fun Harper Valley PTA: https://youtu.be/aOZPBUu7Fro
24 It's the Principal of the Matter
August 22, 2022 08:00 - 27 minutes - 25.4 MBThe Futurama Committee is back again, and Susan and Renee have the scoop! We talk achievement and where NC stands on Principal training and pay. For more info about Catherine Truitt's presentation to the Committee, read this: https://www.wfae.org/education/2022-08-02/superintendent-gives-nc-lawmakers-dramatic-but-flawed-data-on-early-reading-gains. For info on Bob Luddy: https://indyweek.com/news/wake/millionaire-private-school-operator-maxing-out-campaign-donations/. And here'...
23 Things That Make You Go 'Meh'
August 08, 2022 08:00 - 13 minutes - 12.8 MBRenee and Susan talk about voting for the 'meh' candidate. Coming off the primary you might not be thrilled about your ballot, but that doesn't mean you should sit out the election. Link for those looking for a candidate meet and greet: https://www.mobilize.us/ Link for a local Cary Meet and Greet hosted by Susan Book: https://fb.me/e/3maGbgg9d
22 Emoji Evaluations and Other Bad Ideas
July 25, 2022 08:00 - 25 minutes - 23 MBSusan and Renee welcome special guest Kim Mackey to talk about NC's newest proposal for teacher licensing and pay. Could teacher pay really be based on emojis picked by Kindergarteners? Should it? Here's the link to the petition Kim Mentioned: https://bit.ly/3b0oec0 More info from Kim Mackey here: https://educatedpolicy.com/ Justin Parmenter's been mining the public records related to the proposal: https://notesfromthechalkboard.com/
21 Keeping Up With the Jones' (Street)
July 11, 2022 08:00 - 25 minutes - 23.1 MBSusan and Renee walk you through what you need to know about the NC General Assembly.
20 The Introvert's Guide to the Galaxy
June 27, 2022 08:00 - 24 minutes - 22.4 MBSometimes getting out the vote feels overwhelming, especially for introverts and neuro-diverse individuals. Renee and Susan give their tips and tricks to finding your niche during an election. Places that need your help this election. Links: The New Rural Project https://www.newruralproject.org Down Home NC https://downhomenc.org/ The New North Carolina Project https://newnorthcarolinaproject.org/ Red Wine and Blue: https://www.redwine.blue
19 Everything is Awful
June 13, 2022 08:00 - 39 minutes - 35.8 MBSusan and Renee discuss NC’s new (and terrible) Don’t Say Gay bill, which to our surprise, hasn’t had a vote in the House yet. To tell your legislators to vote against it, go here: https://p2a.co/kHZ6NdG. And we talk gun control and SROs. Here is a link to the members of the legislature’s education committees: http://saveourschoolsnc.org/house-member-committees-north-carolina-general-assembly/
18 Back to the Futurama
May 30, 2022 08:00 - 23 minutes - 21.2 MBRenee and Susan talk about the rest of the Futurama Committee’s meetings and our concerns about the Committee’s limited vision for the future of education. The public comments for the Committee have closed, but you can email the chair, John Torbett, with your thoughts: [email protected]
17 Leandro, again
May 16, 2022 08:00 - 16 minutes - 15.4 MBRenee and Susan discuss what's new (and what isn't) in the Leandro Case. And we take a side trip into why our court elections are so important. Phone to action link: https://p2a.co/QqUq7ES?fbclid=IwAR26R19SsqWmnHIO_ebNFKMPdCzQkqt5oMStELZQU4ohUioCgxu1oOFuHto
16 Public Schools & Autism
May 02, 2022 08:00 - 35 minutes - 32.4 MBSusan and Renee introduce our very first podcast guest! Lisa Kaylie joins us for a discussion of her experiences navigating public schools with an autistic student.