Wake County officials have integrated public schools, not by race, but by income. New studies show the plan is paying back in higher test scores, but some parents miss neighborhood schools and doubt the links between test scores and busing. The integration plan will be a major issue in Tuesday’s local election. Host David Crabtree looks at the controversial school assignment plan with: Todd Silberman, reporter for the News and Observer; Jack Boger, professor of law at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; and Cynthia Matson, president of Assignment By Choice. Listener Call-in. (59:00)
Archive for November, 2005
School Integration
Tuesday, November 8th, 2005Executions and Clemency
Monday, November 7th, 2005North Carolina is scheduled to conduct three executions in the next four weeks, bringing the number of executions carried out this year to five. But in each of these upcoming executions, the family of the victim is also the family of the convicted, confounding the sentencing and clemency requests. So what role does the family of the victim have in requesting clemency when they also represent the convicted? Host David Crabtree talks with: Andrea Weigl, reporter for the News & Observer; Jim Coleman, professor of law at Duke University; and Mel Chilton, executive director for the North Carolina Victim’s Assistance Network. Listener Call-In. (59:00)
The Rivalry: Duke vs. UNC
Friday, November 4th, 2005Separated by 11 miles, Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill share academic resources and even students. But one place the two schools don’t get along is on the basketball court. The men’s basketball rivalry between the two schools is widely considered the sport’s most intense, for fans as well as players and coaches. Host Melinda Penkava looks at the history of the rivalry with Art Chansky, author of “Blue Blood: Duke-Carolina: Inside the Most Storied Rivalry in College Hoops” (St. Martin’s Press/2005). (40:00)
Lottery Update
Friday, November 4th, 2005Host Melinda Penkava looks at the latest controversies surrounding the North Carolina Lottery Commission with Laura Leslie, reporter at North Carolina Public Radio — WUNC. Earlier this week, a lottery commissioner was forced to resign after news reports linked him with one of the companies vying for contracts to run North Carolina’s new lottery. (12:00)
Hatteras Blues
Thursday, November 3rd, 2005Hatteras Blues tells the story of the rise and fall of the commercial fishing industry in one North Carolina coastal town. But imbedded in this story is the cathartic relationship author Tom Carlson develops with Hatteras Village and its people as he struggles with his wife’s declining health. Host Melinda Penkava talks with author Tom Carlson about his novel, Hatteras Blues. (University of North Carolina Press/2005). (17:30)