State gets a ‘C+' for education efforts

Jennifer Heaslip /Herald News Editor

Report cards aren't just for students any more.

Schools, school districts and even states are being evaluated in areas beyond test results. The federal government gives an annual Adequate Yearly Progress report for each school and district based on End of Course and End of Grade results and other reported information such as demographics, and North Carolina does the same based on ABC test results.

Recently, Education Week released its 10th annual Quality Counts report, which gives each state a grade for its education policy efforts in four categories. North Carolina fared better than most states, scoring a C+ overall, which mirrored the average state score.

Education Week, which is published both in print and as an online magazine, is one of the most well-known resources for educators today.

The score is based on an examination of the progress the state made in standards and accountability, efforts to improve teacher quality, school climate and resource equity (the amount of money spent per pupil in wealthy versus poor districts).

North Carolina scored well in the first two categories, received an average mark for school climate and a below-average score in resource equity.

In a summary prepared for each state, report writers say North Carolina does well in the standards and accountability category because of its accountability measures. “North Carolina sanctions and provides assistance to all low-performing schools and also rewards high-performing or improving schools,” the report states.

The grade was only a B, however, because “the state lacks assessments aligned to standards at the elementary and middle school levels in science and social studies.”

But that changes next school year, when students for the first time will take End of Grade tests in science. Similar requirements for social studies will be in place for the 2007-2008 school year.

The state's grade in efforts to improve teacher quality - B - is above average. “With written professional development standards and state-financed professional development for all districts, North Carolina receives full credit for policies related to professional support and training,” the report states.

The state received a grade of C-plus in school climate because is it one of a few state swithout a public school open enrollment program. It does get some credit for small class size requirements.

As for resource equity, “per pupil funding levels in the state's wealthier districts tend to be considerably higher than in its poorer districts,” according to the report.

The full report can be found online at:

www.edweek.org/qc06