North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Website

            During the “How-To” presentations conducted by my classmates, they referred to the NCDPI website as a “gem of a resource.”  I did not fully appreciate this statement until I had the opportunity to spend time exploring the site.  I found the site to be very user friendly and informative. As each Program Area or Department opens it provides a menu of items under that heading as well as links to other pertinent sites. 

Previously I had only used the site to access NC School Report Cards, the Standard Course of Study and the salary schedule.  Now I realize the scope of what the State Department strives to provide for the LEAs, teachers, parents and students.  I can easily see how an administrator would find this a useful resource.

Within the Program Dropdown box is the heading “Homeless Program.”  When you choose this option you are taken to a screen that gives a detailed description of the definition of homelessness as well as the key provisions provided under the federal McKinney-Vento Act.  You have at your fingertips a concise interpretation of your school’s obligations.  I could have used this during an Administrative internship I was completing during the Fall.  This issue came up and I had no background is this area.  My principal knew exactly what was involved but I felt lost.  What a luxury it would have been to know that this resource was available.

            I also found the many topics in the “Departments” Dropdown box informative.  I appreciated that within the topic of “Professional Development” there were not only lists of conferences and upcoming events but also resources for making your own presentations better.  I would like to see more presenters adhere to the standards outlined for effective Power point presentations under the heading of “Presentations Skills.”  As a member of my schools MTAC Committee, I have often advocated for a standard for Power point presentations so that they did not evolve into “essays on screens.”  I look forward to sharing the articles “Choosing the Right Colors” and “Power Point Made Perfect” from the NCDPI website to further my cause among students, teachers and administrators.