Below Average Just Isn't Good Enough

Another year has passed and North Carolina schools are still performing at sub-par levels. According to results from the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) released today, North Carolina’s fourth and eighth grade students are still performing slightly below the national average in reading and mathematics.

 

"The NAEP scores show that we have much work to do in reading," said State Superintendent June Atkinson, according to the Department of Public Instruction. "While our state's scores are similar to the national average, we are not satisfied with this performance and will be looking at ways to strengthen the quality of reading instruction our students receive at every level, from kindergarten through 12th grade."

 

The NAEP results emphasize the point that North Carolina parents need state leaders to take action and provide more options.

 

The tone of the discussion around educational reform is changing nationally because policymakers and parents alike are growing wary of overpaying for underperformance. Meanwhile, states like Florida illustrate the high demand for real reform through the expansion of parental school choice programs such as equal opportunity scholarships.

 

Our country has turned the corner on the issue of parental school choice.  It is now time for North Carolina to lead the charge.