As a former public school teacher, Gov. Bev Perdue understands the important link between education, a quality workforce and business success. Today, under her leadership, North Carolina is continuing its commitment to education, which dates to the 18th century. No matter what the economic climate, North Carolina's leadership in education has consistently led to decisive action – fully funding schools to meet increased enrollment and reducing classroom sizes, investing in teachers, and working to create innovative high schools, all with the goal of making North Carolina the place to do business. Not only is the education system producing bright minds prepared to compete in the 21st century, the state’s proactive approach is attracting thousands of talented potential workers from around the world, broadening North Carolina’s diverse base of knowledge workers.
A good start is the best way to have a strong finish
Gov. Perdue believes that creating an exceptional education system begins at the kindergarten and pre-kindergarten levels — the right investments early in a child’s education means that child will be more prepared to become an exceptional and productive member of society later. Thanks in part to the More at Four Pre-Kindergarten Program and Smart Start, North Carolina was one of only two states to meet all 10 of the pre-K quality standards, according to the National Institute for Early Education Research. More and more children are entering school healthy and ready to succeed because of the success of these two initiatives.
A leader in 21st century virtual education
Gov. Perdue is committed to ensuring that North Carolina’s students learn the skills they will need for the high-tech world in which they will work. She launched North Carolina’s first virtual public school system so all schools can to provide a diverse offering of classes to meet individual needs, and all students in North Carolina can take classes in a variety of disciplines, regardless of where they live. In 2008, enrollment in virtual schools increased 80 percent, with 30,000 more students taking courses online. Our state will continue its investment in virtual education so students have access to any course no matter where they live.
Exceptional teachers and small class sizes equal better education
As a former teacher herself, the governor knows that when students enter classrooms and are met with challenging curricula, a well qualified teacher is essential. North Carolina leads the nation in the number of National Board Certified Teachers and has conducted a Teacher Working Conditions Survey to improve teacher effectiveness, the first program of its kind.
In addition, North Carolina leads the nation’s high school reform movement. With $20 million in grants from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the state’s New Schools Project is creating small high schools with specialized curricula and a focus on fields such as health and life sciences. North Carolina is also bridging the divide between high school and higher education with the innovative Learn and Earn program. Located on college campuses, Learn and Earn schools enable students to earn a high school diploma and an associate’s degree, or two years of university credit toward a four-year degree, while enrolled in high school. And North Carolina is among the top five states in the nation for the number of college bound high school seniors.
Higher education that works with business
Whether its college, community college or vocational school, Gov. Perdue knows that higher education is critical to building a skilled workforce, and key when attracting new businesses.
North Carolina is home to the nation’s first public university and has built on that tradition of excellence. After primary and secondary education, students have an abundance of education and training options from some of the finest colleges and universities in the country. The state ranks sixth in the nation in per capita appropriations for higher education and our institutions conduct more than one billion dollars in sponsored research annually.
The state boasts the third largest community college system in the country, which is recognized nationally for its customized workforce training program. Its 58 schools provide high quality training and services that give North Carolina’s businesses and industries a competitive advantage. Each year approximately 800,000 students enroll in the state’s community colleges, which are within a 30-minute drive of 99 percent of the state’s population.
As for traditional four year schools there are 36 private institutions in addition to the 16-campus University of North Carolina system. Through these institutions, every region of the state is afforded outstanding educational opportunities, cultural resources and business support. Degrees are concentrated in business, management and the social and life sciences. The state also has strong numbers in communications, education, engineering, health professions, psychology and public affairs. Along with four medical schools, three engineering schools, one veterinary and one dental school, some of the nation’s leading graduate programs are offered through the state’s universities and colleges.
Looking back and moving forward.
North Carolina is constantly adapting and evolving to meet the needs of its citizens and businesses. The U.S. economy now demands labor that is less reliant on brawn and more on brains. Forbes.com ranks North Carolina in the top four in the nation for businesses. While education isn’t the only reason for North Carolina’s success, it has certainly fueled the fire.