At the start of the new millennium, North Carolina continued a commitment to invest in education which dates to the 18th Century, understanding the clear link between education, a quality workforce and business success. As the nation moved into recession most states faced budget challenges, and education was often the first thing to be cut. Rather than retreating from a longstanding commitment, Governor Mike Easley told a supportive legislature the times demanded action – fully funding 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 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.
Creating an exceptional education system began at the kindergarten and pre-kindergarten levels stemming from a belief that investments early in a child’s education would be beneficial later. Thanks in part to the More at Four Pre-Kindergarten Program, North Carolina ranks 4th in the nation for state pre-K quality standards, according to the National Institute for Early Education Research. Because of the success of this program More at Four and other programs such as like Smart Start, an early childhood initiative, more and more children are entering school healthy and ready to succeed.
Exceptional teachers and small class sizes equal better education.
When students get to enter school they are met with challenging curricula and well qualified teachers. In fact, 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.
North Carolina has a nationally recognized accountability system that is pushing schools to use dollars wisely to improve achievement. Students in North Carolina are cultivated increasingly accountable public schools in which students are performing above regional and national averages.
The state’s General Assembly supported Governor Easley’s call to action, reducing class sizes in K-3 allowing for a more personalized learning environment. Evidence of the success of these measures can be found in elevated SAT scores and a 13% increase in students taking advanced placement exams.
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 which enables students to earn a high school diploma and earn an associate’s degree or two years of college university credit toward a four-year degree while in four to five years. 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.
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 with 58 schools. The system is recognized nationally for its customized workforce training program, which provides 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. It wasn’t long ago that the state came to a crossroads. Several of its major industries were in decline. The U.S. economy demanded labor that was less reliant on brawn and more on brains. Governor Easley remarked of the time, “Change was coming. We could fight it and lose, or embrace it and win.” And embrace it they did. In a time where cuts to education were attractive and prevalent around the nation, North Carolina continued to fund education and raise its standards. Forbes.com ranks North Carolina in the top 3 in the nation for businesses. While education isn’t the only reason for North Carolina’s success, it is certainly fueled the fire. Today the business climate in the state is in a sharp warming trend with no signs of cooling off.