Articles

[title_1]
Angst over Common Core test scores misses the point
   November 21, 2013

Much of the publicity about the Common Core has focused on test results. It should be on the changes these new standards bring to curriculum and instruction. We had set the bar too low, and we needed to broaden the teaching methods and concepts offered to students. (Photo: Nancy Pierce) Read more


Institute official to moderate AARP 'livability' panel
   November 18, 2013
Mary Newsom
Mary Newsom, associate director of urban and regional affairs at the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute, will moderate a panel of local experts Thursday at AARP’s “Making a More Livable Mecklenburg Summit.” Read more


[title_1]
Charlotte trails nation in walkability rankings
   November 15, 2013
Mary Newsom
Want to guess the large U.S. city rated worst for walkability by Walk Score, the national rating system? That would be the Queen City. That Charlotte needs work to become more walkable is not news to the city's transportation officials. (Photo: Nancy Pierce)   Read more


[title_1]
Experience geography in the 21st century at GIS day
   November 14, 2013

How do we use maps in the modern world? Your smart phone, GPS, digital camera and daily weather report all use modern versions of maps called geographic information systems. GIS day is an event that helps explain the growing importance of this technology in daily life. (Image courtesy Mecklenburg County) Read more


[title_1]
Uwharrie Trail extension and trailhead dedication Dec. 8
   November 14, 2013
Crystal Cockman
A new, 4-mile extension of the Uwharrie National Recreation Trail, along with a new trailhead, will be dedicated Dec. 8. The trailhead will be named in honor of Joe Moffitt, the founder and visionary behind the creation of the trail.  (Images courtesy Crystal Cockman) Read more


[title_1]
Open-data group picks Charlotte for 2014 project
   November 12, 2013

Corey Conner
Code for America, a national nonprofit that works to embed tech-savvy entrepreneurs into city governments to help them work better, has chosen Charlotte as one of 10 partner cities for 2014. (Photo: Juhan Sonin, via Flickr.com) Read more


[title_1]
Meet our native grasses
   November 10, 2013
Ruth Ann Grissom
Gardeners, ranchers, hunters and birders – get reacquainted with some of our native grasses. Photo: Ruth Ann Grissom Read more


[title_1]
Kayaking the South Yadkin
   November 7, 2013
Crystal Cockman
Looking for one more kayak trip before winter sets in? The South Yadkin feels remote, with rocky bluffs and a variety of wildlife – and it is right here in the Charlotte region. (Photo: Crystal Cockman) Read more


[title_1]
Survey: Mecklenburg majority believes Earth is warming
   November 7, 2013
Chuck McShane
Almost 70 percent of Mecklenburg County residents surveyed during the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute's Annual Survey said they think there’s solid evidence the Earth has warmed in recent decades. An even larger majority said it’s a somewhat or very serious problem. (Photo: Takver, via flickr.com) Read more


A new look for PlanCharlotte.org
   November 6, 2013

Welcome to a new look for the PlanCharlotte.org web pages. You’ll find all the content from our previous set of pages, but with a new look. Read more