Education Matters

We are continuing the discussion with area educators about the issues facing today's classroom teachers. We spoke with Dr. Herbert Monroe, the newly appointed Superintendent of Surry County Public Schools. We sat down to explore how the district is faring in the fight against chronic absenteeism, the ways they address teacher and student mental health, and several other factors school divisions across the country face today. SCPS is a member of HRETA, which holds the lisense for WHRO.

The reading disorder dyslexia affects roughly 1 in 5 students- adding to the challenge classroom teachers face engaging students to read and write. What are the strategies teachers are using to improve reading and writing skills? Heidi Lewis, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Portsmouth Public Schools and Tony Quaranta, who was diagnosed at an early age with dyslexia and has mentored students, are the in-studio guests.

What's it like to teach on Virginia's Eastern Shore? Like other divisions, attracting and keeping teachers is an on-going issue in Northampton County Schools. They started this school year with a shortage. Also, the large migrant population of the region creates unique challenges for students and teachers when English is a second language, so what are some of the solutions? And, the division broke ground on a new middle and high school facility, but what are the politics of convincing the public to invest in school infastructure? In this installment of Education Matters, we tackle these topics and more with Dr. Lisa Martin, Superintendent of Northampton County Schools. NCPS is a member of HRETA, which holds WHRO's license.

Stats show 15-percent of students statewide are chronically absent. The culture wars explode again, this time around Chesapeake's schools when a controversial after-school club petitioned to meet. Also, a long-standing agreement between two localities to create a unified school division will most likely be coming to an end. Today's guests are Superindendents Dr. Jared Cotton of Chesapeake City Public Schools and Dr. Olwen Herron of the Williamsburg James City County Schools. They will discuss timely topics in education and answer questions from listeners. CPS and WJCC are members of HRETA, which holds WHRO's license.

This is the first episode of Education Matters. Hear WHRV Host Doug Boynton and the acting Superintendent of Virginia Beach City Public Schools, Dr. Don Robertson discuss topics and issues addressing Virginia Beach students and families. Education Matters is a live, call-in program featuring local school superintendents. The guest superintendents will discuss timely topics in education and welcome questions from the audience. VBCPS is a member of HRETA, which holds WHRO's license.

Talk about the key issues shaping our schools and our children with superintendents across the Southeastern region of Virginia.