WFAE's Public Conversations Looks at Public Education in the Region

In 2014, K-12 education is much more than reading, writing and arithmetic. There are choices between public, private and charter schools. In addition to report cards, there's end-of-grade testing, which some say leads to "teaching to the test" instead of creative learning. Finally, what's the best way to pay teachers and keep them in the classroom?

WFAE's Public Conversations Series explores the changing climate for education in the Charlotte region. "The State of Public Education" is Tues., Sept. 16, at 7 p.m., at UNC Charlotte Center City.

Moderated by WFAE's Tom Bullock, the conversation will address recent moves to raise teacher pay; discuss the future of student achievement standards and Common Core guidelines; charter schools; and what parents, teachers and school administrators want and expect from local public schools. 

Panelists including:• Torrieann Dooley, teacher at David Cox Road Elementary School • Eric Guckian, senior education advisor to North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory• Dr. Heath Morrison, superintendent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

Free admission; registration requested.

Use #WFAEPubCon to follow the conversation.