North Carolina Unveils Ambitious 5-Year Plan To Lead Nation in Education by 2030

A bold new five-year plan aims to push North Carolina's schools to the top spot nationwide by 2030. The "Achieving Educational Excellence" blueprint sets a high bar: 92% graduation rates and better test scores across all subjects.

State Superintendent Maurice "Mo" Green outlined eight key areas focusing on student success and teacher backing. "We have everything that it's going to take right here to make it happen. Certainly need some additional resources in some places, but in general we have what it takes," said Green, according to WXII12.

The targets are clear. ACT scores must climb from 18.5 to 20. More students should take Advanced Placement classes: up from 21.5% to 30%. Career Technical Education needs to grow from 36.1% to 41% among K-12 students.

These goals came from wide-ranging input. Officials ran eight local meetings, talked with over 30 groups, and went to more than twelve schools. On Aug. 7, the State Board of Education approved the final version.

Teachers stand at the center of this push. Better wages and increased support top the list. A $25 million Golden LEAF Foundation grant will boost middle school math instruction. Meanwhile, an ambitious 10 million book drive seeks to spark reading interest.

Public school attendance has dropped from 89% to 84% in recent times. "This is an opportunity because now folks can choose all sorts of different things; we need to be sure families are choosing public education," Green said per WCNC.

Each year will bring progress updates. New ideas include testing AI in classrooms. The "Portrait of a Graduate" program adds requirements: students must finish college work, technical training, or serve their community before graduating.

Green keeps moving across the state, with Morganton next on Oct. 22. Can't make it? Watch the online meeting set for Nov. 3.