Video: Superintendent Green Welcomes School and District Staff Back for the 2026-27 School Year

"A new school year brings fresh energy, new opportunities and renewed purpose." In his convocation message kicking off the 2026-27 school year, North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction Maurice "Mo" Green greets educators, school and district staff as they prepare to to welcome students and families for a new school year.

Superintendent Green reflects on the promise of public education, thanks the educators and school staff whose work changes lives, and celebrates North Carolina's continued progress in graduation rates, college-level opportunities and industry-recognized credentials. He encourages every member of the public school community to begin the year with optimism, purpose and a shared commitment to student success.

Watch the video message from Superintendent Green here. 

Statement from North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction Maurice "Mo" Green on Meta Social Media Settlement

"Today, North Carolina joined 51 bipartisan attorneys general in announcing a historic settlement with Meta to address the harm social media has done to the mental health of young people. North Carolina will receive up to $645 million from this settlement to support student well-being across our state.

I am grateful for the years of work by Attorney General Jeff Jackson and Governor Josh Stein, our former Attorney General, and their colleagues on this lawsuit and settlement.

Student well-being and academic success are interconnected. Students cannot reach their full potential in the classroom when they are struggling outside of it. While North Carolina public schools celebrate historic results with graduation rates, participation and performance on college-level courses and exams by high school students, and the number of industry-recognized credentials earned, continued progress on these results will not happen if our students are struggling with mental health challenges."

Read the full statement from Superintendent Green here. 

United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) Accepting Applications

The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) gives high school juniors and seniors interested in studying history or political science an opportunity to spend a week in Washington, D.C. meeting legislators, cabinet members, Supreme Court justices and officials from federal agencies and the White House.

The program will select two North Carolina students as delegates. Each delegate will receive a $12,500 scholarship and attend a week-long educational program in Washington, D.C. from March 6-13.

Learn more about the program, including eligibility information, and find the application here. The deadline to apply is Oct. 4. 

Oct. 22, 2026

Number 10

This Week is College Application Week!

This week, during College Application Week (CAW), many North Carolina colleges and institutions waive application fees for students applying to college. CAW will continue through Oct. 25 at 5 p.m.

Visit the Countdown to College page on the College for North Carolina (CFNC) website to see the list of participating colleges and universities, begin the application process and more.

Number 9

Register for 2026 Character Education Summit

At this inaugural event, Leading With Character Summit attendees will:

• Gain insight into the 11 Principles of Character Education and practical ways to apply them in your school.

• Be inspired by success stories from State and National Schools of Character and learn how they revitalized their school communities.

• Connect with experts and fellow school leaders to deepen their understanding of Character Education.

The 2026 Leading with Character Summit will take place on Dec. 9 at the Friday Institute in Raleigh. Learn more and register here.

Number 8

Restart Eligibility Information Webinar

NCDPI’s Office of District & School Support Services is offering a webinar on the Restart Reform Model for districts interested in pursuing authorization to implement the Restart Reform Model in the 2027-28 school year for one or more of their schools designated as Continually Low Performing. This webinar will give a general overview of the Restart Reform Model and available flexibilities, reporting and monitoring requirements, support offered by NCDPI and the application process.

The webinar is Thursday, Nov. 19 from 10-11 a.m. Register for the Restart Eligibility Information Webinar here. 

Number 7

Register for Institute on Global Perspectives: Understanding the World, Engaging with Purpose 

Celebrate International Education Week 2026 with NCDPI’s Global Education Steering Committee at the 2026 Institute on Global Perspectives: Understanding the World, Engaging with Purpose!

This in-person professional learning event brings K-12 educators from across North Carolina together to explore global perspectives, discover practical classroom resources and collaborate on ways to help students connect with the wider world.

The Institute will be held Thursday, Nov. 19, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at NCDPI in Raleigh.

All grade levels and content areas are welcome. Participants with a current North Carolina educator's license can earn professional development hours or continuing education units (CEUs). 

Learn more and register here. 

Number 6

2027-28 Kenan Fellows Program Accepting Applications

Applications are open for the 2027-28 Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership, a yearlong fellowship offering immersive professional development, hands-on industry experience and a lasting statewide network.

The fellowship is open to K-12 public and charter school teachers across North Carolina. Fellows are matched with local organizations for projects in fields such as agriculture, biotechnology and energy, gaining firsthand knowledge of regional careers and bringing those insights back to their classrooms.

Selected fellows receive:

• A $5,000 stipend and 80 hours of alumni-led professional development.

• Connections with educators, employers, nonprofits, community colleges and universities.

Learn more and apply for the 2027-28 Kenan Fellows Program here. Applications close on Monday, Jan. 11, 2027.

Number 5

Registration Open for Better Together: School Mental Health Summit

School counselors, school psychologists, school social workers and school-based mental health clinicians are invited to register for the inaugural NCDPI Better Together: School Mental Health Summit — Three Professions, One Mission, taking place Dec. 8-9 in Concord, N.C.

This groundbreaking statewide gathering will provide:

• Inspiring keynote presentations, including April Simpkins.

• Engaging breakout sessions focused on school mental health.

• Cross-disciplinary learning and practical strategies.

• Opportunities to connect with colleagues and exhibitors from across North Carolina.

Learn more about the summit and register here. 

Interested sponsors or exhibitors can learn more here.

Number 4

NC State Board of Education Celebrates NC Crunch and Farm to School Month

State Board members took a bite out of fresh, locally grown North Carolina apples to celebrate NC Crunch and Farm to School Month!

This annual statewide celebration brings students, educators, families and communities together to promote healthy eating and support local agriculture. NC Crunch Day was held on Wednesday, Oct. 21, but everyone can participate anytime during October!

This month, grab a locally grown fruit or vegetable, take a bite and share the celebration — because every crunch supports local farmers, healthy students and stronger communities!

A special thank you to North Carolina farmers, school nutrition professionals and everyone who helps bring fresh, healthy food to our schools!

Number 3

EdNC: "A New Initiative Is Training 500 NC School District Employees to Be Teachers — Without Missing a Paycheck"

"The newly announced North Carolina Teacher Apprenticeship and Workforce Advancement Initiative will allow teacher assistants, substitutes and other school employees in North Carolina school districts to “become licensed teachers while keeping their jobs and paychecks” through a five-year, $5.5 million federal grant according to a recent press release. The initiative is designed to meet teacher shortages across the state.

The grant was awarded to Western Governors University (WGU) — an accredited, nonprofit online university — and its apprenticeship organization Craft Education, in partnership with The Innovation Project (TIP). Nearly half of the project is funded through the federal grant, the release says, while the other half “will be provided through nonfederal sources, including WGU, The Innovation Project and participating school districts.”

Across the 16 districts, TIP will lead its operation, running the program as a U.S. Department of Labor registered apprenticeship sponsor through ApprenticeshipNC. Participating districts range from rural Hertford, Warren and Edgecombe counties to Wake, Guilford and Charlotte-Mecklenburg, according to Kathryn Peterson, WGU corporate communications and PR manager.

Peterson told EdNC that running the initiative through ApprenticeshipNC means 'no district has to set up its own program.' Beginning in Fall 2027, the initiative 'will prepare 500 teacher apprentices and train 250 mentor teachers,' according to the release."

Read the full article here. 

Number 2

District Highlight: Henderson County Public Schools - "Healthcare Fellows Program Expands as 11 HCPS Graduates Commit to Local Healthcare Careers"

"Henderson County Public Schools (HCPS) in partnership with Blue Ridge Community College, AdventHealth Hendersonville, UNC Health Pardee and the Henderson County Education Foundation, celebrated the Class of 2026 Healthcare Fellows on Monday during the program’s second annual signing day event at Blue Ridge Community College.

Building on the success of its inaugural year, the Healthcare Fellows Program is expanding its impact, with 11 recent HCPS graduates selected to participate this year—up from nine fellows in the program’s first class.

Each healthcare fellow will receive full financial support for their studies at Blue Ridge Community College including tuition, books and required gear, sponsored by AdventHealth Hendersonville or UNC Health Pardee. Upon successful completion of their program, each fellow is guaranteed employment with their sponsoring healthcare organization.

'Seeing this program grow in just its second year speaks to what is possible when our schools and community partners share a commitment to the future of our students,' said Mark R. Garrett, Superintendent of Henderson County Public Schools. 'These 11 graduates are beginning a pathway that gives them the education, support and experience they need to build meaningful careers right here in Henderson County. We are incredibly proud of them, and grateful to our partners for investing not only in these students, but in the future of healthcare in our community.'

Signing Day recognized 11 fellows as they took the next step toward rewarding, high-demand healthcare careers and highlighted the continued collaboration among local education, healthcare and community partners to create supported career pathways for Henderson County students."

Read the full press release from Henderson County Public Schools here. 

Number 1

North Carolina Virtual Public School Director of Curriculum Jennifer Nobles receives Quality Matters Directors' Award for Exceptional Service 

As a Quality Matters (QM) Certified Master reviewer, presenter, volunteer and recent member of the QM K-12 Rubric Committee, Jennifer Nobles has been an active champion of QM for more than a decade through her work with North Carolina Virtual Public School, and has consistently shared her practitioner expertise wherever it can strengthen K-12 digital learning.

Nobles continues that service on the QM Connect Program Committee where her contributions exemplify the collaborative foundation of the QM community: experienced educators sharing their judgement, lessons learned and time, so that quality practices continue to evolve and benefit colleagues and learners across institutions. 

Weekly Top Ten - October 15, 2026

North Carolina Public Schools sent this bulletin at 10/15/2026 05:00 PM EDT

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

v

Weekly Top Ten - October 8, 2026

North Carolina Public Schools sent this bulletin at 10/08/2026 05:00 PM EDT

October 8, 2026

Number 10

EdNC: "Playlab Launches Inaugural Cohort in NC, Partnering With School Districts to Help Educators and Students Design Custom AI Tools"

"In late September, leaders from school districts across North Carolina huddled around tables at the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) in Raleigh. With laptops open, principals and district administrators set to work designing custom artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help address specific challenges they face in their roles.

One built a tool to help coach teachers through a thorough Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) data review; another designed a tool to help IT staff resolve help desk tickets effectively. In each instance, participants drafted custom instructions and uploaded reference materials to guide the tool.

This work was made possible by Playlab — a national nonprofit working to ensure educators and students have the agency to not just use AI, but to shape it.

Supported by funding from The Leon Levine Foundation, an inaugural cohort of eight school districts and one charter school in North Carolina will partner with Playlab this school year to help teachers and students build custom AI tools together. The cohort includes:

• Ashe County Schools

• Catawba County Schools

• Henderson Collegiate

• Hertford County Public Schools

• Johnston County Public Schools

• Martin County Schools

• Orange County Schools

• Roanoke Rapids Graded School District

• Wake County Public School System"

Read the full article here. 

Number 9

Project Kitty Hawk Offers No-Cost Support for District Projects

Oftentimes districts have important projects that are delayed due to limited staff capacity or time. Project Kitty Hawk, a nonprofit affiliate of the UNC System, can help move that work forward.

Working on behalf of multiple UNC System universities, Project Kitty Hawk connects districts with university-trained students for short-term projects, typically lasting three to eight weeks. Districts define the need and scope, and participating universities identify students whose coursework aligns with the project. Support is available year-round at no cost to districts and requires no long-term commitment.

Potential projects may include analyzing data, improving operations, strengthening cybersecurity practices or researching new opportunities.

To discuss a district’s needs, contact Lynne Barbour, vice president of workforce, at lgbarbour@projectkittyhawk.com or visit the Project Kitty Hawk Workforce Solutions webpage.

Number 8

Statewide Professional Development Opportunities for 2026-27 Available

Statewide professional development from NCDPI’s Office of Teaching and Learning for 2026-27 is now available online. The catalog includes information about upcoming webinars, in-person events and resources for each content area. Be sure to check back regularly for updates.

Find learning opportunities, registration information and more here.

Number 7

Apply for Go Outside Grant - Field Trip Funding

Go Outside Grants are now open for FY 27. North Carolina educators can apply for up to $5,000 to fund field trips that connect students with outdoor learning experiences and hands-on education.

North Carolina public and private K-12 schools and nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply. Grant funding supports trips to parks, recreation areas, outdoor education centers, historical sites and other destinations that include an outdoor learning component.

The grant cycle will end on May 31. Learn more and apply here. 

Number 6

NCDPI World Languages 2026–27 Teaching and Assessing for Proficiency (TAP) Webinar Series

Join us the NCDPI World Languages team for the 2026-2027 World Languages Standard Course of Study (SCOS) Webinar Series: Teaching and Assessing for Proficiency. Educators will explore practical strategies for bringing the World Languages Standard Course of Study to life while building real-world proficiency for students.

The 2026–27 webinar series features four sessions throughout the school year. All webinars begin at 3:45 p.m.:
🗓️ Nov. 4 — Strengthening the Interdisciplinary & Literacy Connections Strand
🗓️ Feb. 3 — Supporting the Intercultural & Communities Connections Strand
🗓️ April 7 — Providing Effective Feedback with Performance Assessment Rubrics

Educators who participate in three of the four sessions, live or on-demand, will earn the Teaching and Assessing for Proficiency Completer Badge.

Learn more and register for individual webinar sessions here.

Number 5

WRAL: "NC Wants Students to Read 10 Million Books, as Reading for Fun Drops"

"North Carolina school leaders are challenging the state's children to read 10 million books in 2027, after nearly two decades of decline in the percentage of students nationally who say they regularly read for fun.

Reading for fun is associated with higher test scores in reading. It's a subject area that North Carolina and the nation has posted more middling results in over the past decade, though the state recently posted some improvements in reading proficiency.

The 10 Million Book Challenge will launch in January and last the calendar year. Nearly every school district and 53 charter schools so far plan to participate.

That's roughly seven books per student, among the roughly 1.5 million students in the state's traditional public and charter school students. The challenge will promote novels, picture books, graphic novels, plays and audiobooks. For students who need an accommodation, schools can offer alternative text suggestions."

Read the full article here. 

Number 4

District Highlight: Polk County Schools - "Future Teacher Program Gives Polk Students Early Pathway into Education Careers"

"Polk County Early College senior Bonnie Bailey is getting an early look at what it means to work in education – not from a textbook, but inside a Polk County school.

Bailey is the first student to participate in Polk County Schools’ developing Future Teacher Program, an initiative designed to give local high school students meaningful experience in education before they choose a college or career path.

This fall, Bailey is completing her internship at Sunny View Elementary School, where she will spend the semester learning alongside educators and working with students under the mentorship of principal Ronette Dill and school counselor and administrative intern Monica Barber.

By semester’s end, Bailey will have completed 140 hours of internship experience.

The program is part of Polk County Schools’ effort to 'Grow Our Own' future educators by introducing students with local roots to careers in teaching, counseling and other areas of education.

District leaders say the effort is particularly important as schools across North Carolina continue working to recruit and retain educators."

Read the full story from Polk County Schools here. 

Number 3

North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program Accepting Applications for 2027-28

The North Carolina Teaching Fellows Early Action application is officially open!

Students interested in becoming educators can apply through Nov.1 and receive their Early Action decision in December. The regular decision application window will open Jan. 4. 

North Carolina Teaching Fellows receive up to $5,000 per semester in forgivable loans while preparing to teach in North Carolina. Fellows also gain classroom experience, enrichment opportunities and a community of future educators and mentors.

Learn more and apply here. 

Number 2

EdNC Perspective Piece: "Gov. Stein Celebrates NC College Connect in Wilmington"

"Gov. Josh Stein visited Laney High School in Wilmington on Sept. 15, the day that portals opened for North Carolina students eligible for NC College Connect.

He commemorated the day by sitting with students and talking to them about the opportunity presented by the program.

'On this day, many people are going to learn a whole bunch of schools to which they’ve been accepted to admission for next year,' he said. 'And they didn’t even have to apply to do it.'

NC College Connect is a program that directly admits North Carolina public high school seniors who are on track to graduate, have a weighted 2.8 GPA or higher, are enrolled in a fourth-level math, and meet program requirements of participating UNC System universities, North Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities, and their local North Carolina community college.

Students without a 2.8 GPA who are on track to graduate will be directly admitted to their local community college.

Stein described the program as an 'innovative way to smooth the transition from' high school and help students on their path to the future.

'What we’re trying to do is make it easy for you to find opportunities and options here in the state because we want you to stay here and we want you to succeed,' he said."

Read the full perspective piece from associate director of communications for the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority, Alex Granados, here. 

Number 1

NCDPI Awarded $7.5 Million to Expand Project AWARE

"The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) has been awarded a $7.5 million, five-year Project AWARE grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to strengthen school behavioral health systems and expand access to mental health supports for students.

The 2026–2031 award will bring Project AWARE Cohort 3 to Ashe County Schools, Carteret County Public Schools and Person County Schools. The initiative will support comprehensive, three-tiered school behavioral health systems focused on prevention and early intervention, access to treatment, crisis response, workforce development, family and youth engagement, and partnerships with community behavioral health providers.

'This new investment allows us to build on eight years of Project AWARE work in North Carolina while helping three additional communities develop sustainable systems that support student mental health and well-being,' said Dr. Heidi E. Austin, NC Project AWARE/ACTIVATE Director.

Project AWARE supports the work of NCDPI and the State Board of Education outlined in Pillar 4: Ensure Healthy, Safe and Secure Learning Environments of their strategic plan, Achieving Educational Excellence. It provides funding for projects that support a comprehensive approach to school mental health, connects students and families to services, and strengthens prevention and crisis-response systems."

Weekly Top Ten - October 1, 2026

North Carolina Public Schools sent this bulletin at 10/01/2026 05:00 PM EDT

October 1, 2026

Number 10

Apply for the Smithsonian's Democracy in Dialogue Virtual Exchange Program

The application period for Cohort 7 (spring 2027) of the Smithsonian Institution's Democracy in Dialogue Virtual Exchange Program is currently open! Join fellow educators in Washington, D.C. for an immersive 3-day summit with Smithsonian experts and resources. Then guide your students in place-based investigations as they explore innovation within their local community. Connect them with peers from a different part of the country to share their discoveries and reflect on their past, present and future.

Educators working with students ages 10-19 are invited to apply. CEU credits and costs for the January summit in Washington D.C. will be covered for participants.

Learn more and apply here. The deadline to apply is Oct. 5.

Number 9

NC Collaboratory K-12 Education 2026 Study Mandates

The NC Collaboratory is a funding agency created by the NC General Assembly in 2016 for the purpose of supporting academic research that generates practical information for State and local governments and the communities they serve.

The 2025–2027 budget expanded the NC Collaboratory’s legislative portfolio to a record 25 mandated studies spanning education, workforce development, health care, public safety and mental health. Together, these studies reflect the General Assembly’s growing reliance on the Collaboratory to provide independent research, rigorous evaluation and practical recommendations that help inform policy decisions across North Carolina.

See the Collaboratory's K-12 focused study mandates here. Please contact Jeni Corn at jeni_corn@unc.edu with any questions. 

Number 8

Applications Open for 2026-27 Multilingual Learner Teacher Network (MLTN)

Take your co-teaching partnership statewide by applying to the 2026-27 Multilingual Learner Teacher Network (MLTN)!

Great co-teaching brings together the expertise of Multilingual Learners (ML) and content teachers to create stronger learning opportunities for multilingual learners. The NCDPI ML/Title III Team invites current ML–content co-teaching pairs to apply together for this statewide community of practice.

Selected pairs will study evidence-based guidance, strengthen their collaborative teaching practices and develop classroom-ready resources to share with educators across North Carolina. Individual applicants are also welcome and may be matched with compatible participants.

Members will attend three MLTN meetings as well as the summer conference, and devote approximately one hour per week to required readings, partner collaboration and resource development. Selected participants will receive sponsorship for approved costs associated with the required in-person convenings.

Join a statewide community dedicated to improving outcomes for multilingual learners and apply for the 2026-27 MLTN here. The deadline to apply is Oct. 15.

Number 7

2026-27 Purple Star Award Applications Open

Applications are now open for the 2026-27 Purple Star Award, which recognizes North Carolina schools that demonstrate military-friendly practices and a strong commitment to military-connected students and families.

Virtual office hours for guidance and support will be offered on the following dates:

• Oct. 14 at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

• Nov. 17 at 4 p.m.

• Dec. 10 at 9 a.m.

• Jan. 7 at  noon

• Jan. 26 at 4 p.m.

Applications close Feb. 1, 2027. Learn more about the Purple Star Award and find additional resources and application materials here.

Number 6

When a School Needs a Teacher, NCVPS Has It CoverEd

Whether a school faces a long-standing vacancy or an unexpected staffing gap, NC Virtual Public School (NCVPS) can step in quickly with full instructional support from licensed North Carolina teachers.

Schools across the state rely on NCVPS CoverEd to keep learning on track for entire classes. By pairing licensed teachers with flexible, high-quality online courses, CoverEd offers a seamless solution that minimizes disruption and supports student success. Whole-class and individual student enrollments are available.

To learn how NCVPS can support a school or district, open a ticket with the Virtual Support Center or email ncvpsinfo@ncpublicschools.org.

Looking for additional support? Visit the Building Your Partnership with NCVPS page to discover ways NCVPS can extend school teams’ capabilities, expand course offerings and strengthen student outcomes.

Number 5

North Carolina Competency-Based Education (CBE) Innovation Grant Program Accepting Applications

NCDPI is launching the North Carolina Competency-Based Education (CBE) Innovation Grant Program, a multi-year initiative to help schools reimagine teaching, learning and assessment. Ten North Carolina schools will each receive $330,000 to plan and implement competency-based education models focused on student mastery, personalized learning and innovative assessment.

The initiative focuses on four key areas: redesigning learning pathways, innovating assessment practices, building educator capacity and developing promising practices that can help expand competency-based education across North Carolina.

Participating schools will use $95,000 each applicable school year for CBE implementation training, with remaining funds available to support transition costs such as travel and CBE resources.

Learn more and review application materials here. Applications are due Oct. 18 by 5 p.m.

Number 4

EdNC: "‘How Far We Have Come’: An Update on Districts with Schools Damaged by Hurricane Helene 2 Years Later"

"In the two years since Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina, communities and schools have been rebuilding. The storm brought record-breaking rainfall, and four school districts in Henderson, McDowell, Watauga, and Yancey counties sustained major damage to their buildings.

EdNC spoke with each school district’s superintendent to revisit the past, hear about the present, and see what they are most looking forward to in the future ahead of the anniversary."

Read the full feature story here. 

Number 3

District Highlight: Hickory City Schools - Hickory High School Automotive Teacher Winner of 2026 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence

"Congratulations to Terry Drum, automotive teacher at Hickory High School, who was surprised this morning as a $75,000 winner of the 2026 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence!
The $75,000 award will benefit Mr. Drum and Hickory High School’s automotive program, supporting skilled trades education and opportunities for students.

This prestigious national honor recognizes outstanding public high school skilled trades teachers. Mr. Drum was selected as one of just 25 winners nationwide — and the only winner from North Carolina.

Throughout the rigorous selection process, Mr. Drum shared his commitment to giving students opportunities to problem-solve, troubleshoot, learn from mistakes, and develop the confidence and independence they need to succeed in the automotive industry and beyond.

We are incredibly proud to see Mr. Drum’s dedication to his students and skilled trades education recognized on a national level. Congratulations, Mr. Drum!"

See photos from the award celebration here. 

Number 2

NCDPI Celebrate the Good Blog: "Following Significant Improvement Toward Chronic Absenteeism, Northwest Elementary School was Identified as an Attendance Bright Spot by N.C. Department of Public Instruction"

"With almost any effort, it has long been said that showing up is half the battle. Whether we’re talking about an exercise or gym routine, starting a new project or simply being present in the classroom, ready to learn. Consistent school attendance helps develop foundational skills, boosts engagement and builds on academic achievement, leading to higher graduation rates. Declared Attendance Awareness Month by North Carolina Governor Josh Stein, September highlights the critical importance of having students in their seats, solidifying the crucial role attendance plays in achieving academic success. Missing a few days early in the school year can quickly translate into chronic absenteeism by the end of the school year.

Typically defined as missing 10% or more of school days over the course of a year, regardless of whether excused or unexcused, chronic absenteeism is one of the clearest, most actionable indicators that students are not fully accessing the learning resources and support schools provide. Before a solution can be identified and implemented, the issue must be clearly addressed.

'Since the pandemic, we’ve seen students having more difficulty transitioning into school,” said Taimak Willis, principal of Northwest Elementary School. “The school must determine what is really happening. You can’t solve the problem until you understand it. Relationships make it possible for families to explain why the student is not attending, and the team can then respond to the actual cause.”

Number 1

NCDPI’s Innovation Leadership Council Met for Inaugural Convening

"The Innovation Leadership Council (ILC) met for its inaugural convening to help shape a statewide approach of identifying and scaling promising practices, as outlined in the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s (NCDPI) Strategic Plan, Achieving Educational Excellence. The 25-member council is a statewide, cross-sector advisory council established to help identify, evaluate, elevate and scale classroom, school and district approaches with evidence they improve outcomes across North Carolina public schools.

Selected from nearly 400 applicants, the council represents all eight State Board of Education (SBE) regions and brings together educators and leaders from traditional public school districts and schools, charter schools, lab schools, higher education and research. Members serve communities spanning rural, suburban, urban and regional contexts across the state.

Under Pillar 6 of Achieving Educational Excellence, Lead Transformative Change, the plan calls for creating a cross-sector innovation leadership council, establishing a structured process for identifying and evaluating innovative practices and publishing an annual collection of effective and innovative practices."

Read the full press release here.