N.C. Schools, Pre-K Program Get High Marks From Study

North Carolina was one of 10 states to tie for the highest score in Education Week's survey of public school systems.

Each state is given a grade based on five criteria: adequacy of resources, standards and accountability, improving teacher quality, school climate and equity of resources.

The 2001 survey focused on the quality of pre-kindergarten programs. North Carolina received a B+ for standards and accountability and teacher quality, a C for equity of resources, a C- for adequacy of resources and a D- for school climate, which grades class size.

The nation overall received a C.

Officials at the N.C. Department of Public Instruction said they were pleased with the state's high score in accountability because state officials have worked hard to improve it.

"In the past five years, we've had very comprehensive accountability studies," said department spokeswoman Vanessa Jeter.

School accountability is judged based on how well students perform on end-of-grade exams.

Jeter also said the department was proud that North Carolina ranked number one in the nation in teacher quality for the second straight year. North Carolina has the most certified teachers in the nation.

Certification guarantees a 12 percent raise. Teachers with a master's degree also are eligible for a 10 percent increase, which is added to the 12 percent if they also are certified.

But Jeter said the state must still improve several key areas. She cited the achievement gap between white students and minorities as an area that needs work, calling the gap a "persistent problem."

Easley's Education Adviser J.B. Buxton said the governor's top priorities include improving accountability, investing in pre-K programs for at-risk kids and reducing class size.

Buxton added that education programs still will receive sufficient funds despite the state's financial problems.

"There's a tough budget situation in North Carolina, but we have to keep moving forward even in bad economic times," he said.

Buxton said there are "high standards and high expectations" for the education system in the state, including a straight-A report card.

He added that North Carolina wants to be seen as being the benchmark education system in the nation.

"We won't be pleased until we see all A's," said Buxton. "We have an agenda that will legitimately make us a leader in education in the nation by the end of the decade."

The State & National Editor can be reached at stntdesk@unc.edu.