Unfortunately, the recommendation to increase class size by two students will dominate media coverage of the Senate budget, but the real news about the budget is that it is a vote of no confidence in the NC Department of Public Instruction (DPI).
Let’s take a closer look.
? The budget eliminates most high school math and science tests. These tests are developed and administered by DPI testing and accountability staff.
? More at Four is moved from DPI to the Department of Health and Human Services.
? NC Wise Owl funding is cut by almost 40 percent because SAS Institute is providing a free (and much better) online reference tool.
? The budget eliminates 300 positions at DPI over two years and reduces its operating funds by $1.6 million a year.
? DPI initiatives to improve student accountability and personal financial literacy get the boot.
? Funds for diagnostic assessment and accountability would overhaul North Carolina’s Standard Course of Study and its testing program. DPI developed (and oversee) both.
On the other hand, the Senate budget increases funding for a few existing DPI programs, including the NC Virtual High School and the school and district transformation program.
