RALEIGH - North Carolina students continue to see gains in most grades and subjects, according to the 2023-24 state test results presented to the State Board of Education on Wednesday. Schools also showed progress on accountability measures.
All in Education
Governor Cooper Tours Leicester Elementary School in Buncombe County, Highlights How Strong Public Schools Make Strong Communities
RALEIGH: On Tuesday, Governor Roy Cooper visited Leicester Elementary School in Buncombe County as part of the “Year of Public Schools” education tour and delivered supplies collected from the Governor’s School Supply Drive. The Governor was joined by teachers, students, local and state education leaders and local elected officials as he highlighted the outstanding work taking place in North Carolina’s public schools and how public education is strengthening North Carolina’s communities.
North Carolina School Boards Urge General Assembly to Prioritize Public School Funding and Teacher Pay
RALEIGH: As Governor Cooper continues the “Year of Public Schools,” school boards from at least 10 school districts are calling on the General Assembly to make meaningful investments in teacher pay and fully fund our public schools instead of further expanding the state’s dangerous taxpayer-funded private school voucher scheme.
Attorney General Josh Stein Meets with Educators to Discuss Public Education Needs
(RALEIGH) Attorney General Josh Stein this week met with public school teachers and principals from across North Carolina for a conversation about the state of North Carolina’s public schools and how North Carolina can support students and teachers.
John Hood: On Schools and Sports, Follow Evidence
RALEIGH — Having spent most of my career commissioning, editing, or writing about public policy research, I understand its inherent limitations. Still, I cling to a belief, however naïve it may be, that careful study of complex problems can produce at least some clear answers that most policymakers will accept.
OP ED: School Choice? Or Schools’ Choice?
Decisions about education are some of the most important decisions families – and therefore state leaders – make. Just as parents consider the many school choices available in North Carolina, lawmakers are making choices about where to put our taxpayer dollars to yield the best outcomes for our children.
Op Ed: Removing Diversity Equity and Inclusion is Not Neutral
On May 23 the University of North Carolina System Board of Trustees voted to repeal its Diversity & Inclusion Policy in favor of “institutional neutrality.” This new policy, which was introduced in April, will remove funding for DEI offices and eliminate various diversity-related positions across the 17 UNC System schools. Chancellors will be required to report cuts to existing jobs and DEI spending by September 1.
House Democratic Leadership Team Statement on UNC DEI Vote
North Carolina is a diverse state and that diversity is our strength. It is troubling to see the continued politicization of important state institutions, particularly higher education.
Governor Cooper slams GOP's $625M taxpayer vouchers for millionaires
Republican legislators signaled that one of their top priorities this session is using more taxpayer money to fund private school vouchers for millionaires instead of increasing teacher pay or fully funding North Carolina’s public schools where more than 8 in 10 students receive an education.
Leader Reives Statement on UNC Board of Governors
"Today, the UNC Board of Governors Committee on University Governance has voted to advance a proposal that will reverse course on policy our university system has had in place for years to foster diverse, inclusive campuses across our state. Our public universities are great because of the diverse opinions, people and mutual respect that are the hallmark of a liberal arts education."
Governor Cooper Criticizes UNC Board's Move Against Diversity Initiatives
RALEIGH: Governor Roy Cooper and former UNC System President Tom Ross released statements on efforts by the UNC System Board of Governors to abolish positions and initiatives that promote diversity at public universities in North Carolina.
Excellent Public Schools Act Propels K-3 Reading Proficiency
North Carolina’s youngest students are continuing to improve on reading benchmarks due to literacy reforms included in the Excellent Public Schools Act of 2021.
Leader Reives Statement on NC Teacher Attrition
The State Board of Education released shocking numbers regarding the state of teacher attrition in North Carolina. According to reporting from the News & Observer, “10,376 of the state’s 90,638 teachers left the profession” between March 2022 and March 2023. The state’s attrition rate rose 47% over the prior report.
North Carolina community colleges see highest enrollment jump in 15 years
RALEIGH - North Carolina community colleges reported a five percent increase in Full-Time Equivalent student enrollment in Fall 2023 – marking the highest one-year enrollment jump in 15 years. This includes a 10 percent increase in workforce continuing education, nine percent in basic skills, and four percent in curriculum.
Attorney General Josh Stein: Our Kids Have a Right to A Strong Public Education
(RALEIGH) Attorney General Josh Stein today released a statement as Solicitor General Ryan Park argues the Leandro school funding case in front of the North Carolina Supreme Court.
National Study: NC Has Third-Highest Charter School Enrollment Growth in the Country
Raleigh, N.C. – The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools released a nationwide study yesterday analyzing enrollment growth in public charter and district schools.
John Hood: College Rankings Reveal Awkward Truths
College and university rankings are a Massive Deal, as Regina George might say — and not just during football season.
As the new school year commences, backward education priorities reveal a backward agenda
North Carolina’s public school students could use some help. From thirty years of the still-ongoing Leandro court case, we know that our school funding is inadequate. Our state’s school funding effort – the amount we spend relative to the size of our economy – ranks dead last in the country.
Ensuring a Brighter Future One Meal, One Student at A Time
Others cannot help but raise an eyebrow when I tell them that, not only did I thoroughly enjoy teaching 7th grade, but my favorite class to teach - 4th period - included a 25-minute lunch break in the middle of the class period. Although the unpadded circular seats took some time getting used to, I cherished the opportunity to build bonds with my students each day. It was during lunchtime, however, that I noticed the impact that a missed meal has on a student.
Unfortunately, Gov. Cooper Doesn't Have His Facts Right on Charter Bill Veto
Raleigh, NC – Gov. Roy Cooper on Friday vetoed House Bill 219. Though we support House Bill 219, Gov. Cooper is of course free to make whichever policy choices he desires.