North Carolina education leaders have just launched an ambitious new plan to make the state’s public schools the best in the nation by 2030. The initiative, called “Achieving Educational Excellence,” is the first joint strategic plan between the Department of Public Instruction and the State Board of Education in more than a decade.
The plan was shaped by extensive input from educators, families, and local leaders in all 100 counties. He also announced a statewide tour this fall to encourage public engagement.
“This is a bold plan that matches North Carolina’s potential to have the best public schools in the country,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Maurice Green in a press release. “We created this strategic plan after crossing the state listening to parents, students and educators about their hopes and dreams for education. Now, with the State Board of Education’s unanimous approval, I’m eager to get to work with educators, families, partners and students to make North Carolina’s public schools the best in the nation.”
The plan sets measurable goals, including raising the statewide graduation rate to 92%, increasing average ACT scores to 20, and leading the nation in National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results by 2030. Progress will be tracked through quarterly public reports and a new statewide “Excellence Report Card.”
The plan focuses on eight key priorities:
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Prepare each student for their next phase in life
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Revere and retain public school educators
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Enhance parent, caregiver, and community support
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Ensure healthy, safe, and secure learning environments
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Optimize operational excellence across districts
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Lead transformative change in public education
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Celebrate excellence in student and educator achievement
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Galvanize public and private support for long-term investment
Several major initiatives are already underway. A $25 million Golden LEAF Foundation grant will help transform math instruction in rural middle schools. A new NC College Connect program will guarantee admission to state universities for students with a GPA of 2.8 or higher. The plan also includes expanded mental health support, Youth Mental Health First Aid training, a campaign to read 10 million books annually, and the creation of an endowment to fund two years of tuition-free postsecondary education.
If successful, the effort could significantly improve student outcomes, elevate the teaching profession, and position North Carolina as a national leader in public education.
