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The Voice of
Business, Industry & the Professions Since 1942 |
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By Phil Kirk As the last school year in the 1900s begins, we have a challenge before us. That challenge is to support our schools as they strive to help all children reach grade level and beyond. Continuing the momentum to increase student achievement by believing that every student can learn -- and most at higher levels than we have expected in the past -- will take a commitment from each of us. North Carolina's schools have made more progress in recent years than any other schools in America. That's no exaggerated claim. For example, the National Education Goals Panel has cited our public schools for making more progress on the bipartisan goals than any other state. President Clinton made a similar statement in his State of the Union message. Our fourth and eighth graders are performing above the national average in mathematics and reading. Our juniors and seniors lead the nation in progress on the SAT. Education Week cites North Carolina and Texas as having the best accountability systems in the nation. Yes, accountability is important. But, accountability without the resources to make improvements would not have gotten us where we are today. The General Assembly is investing more than $5.5 billion in our public schools each year. Improved results are expected, and we are meeting these expectations. As 1.2 million students and over 100,000 educators return to our classrooms, let's remember that we are all under pressure to help our students achieve even better. We want every child to achieve at or above grade level. As the State Board of Education brings an end to social promotion, it is important that we identify learning deficiencies early and intervene to give all students the necessary skills to succeed in a global economy, no matter where the child lives or his or her race or gender. We need to remember that our teachers and administrators are working harder than ever before. To meet or surpass our accountability goals, we need continued focus on the basics; strong leadership at every level; a caring, competent, compassionate teacher in every classroom; ongoing resources from the legislature and county commissioners; continued financial and volunteer support from the business community; and increased and more effective parental involvement. All these factors must be present if we are to become First in America by 2010 as Gov. Hunt has so eloquently challenged us to do. Success in these and other areas is also essential in helping our 2,024 public schools to make progress on the four ABCs Plus goals of the State Board of Education -- higher student achievement; safe, orderly and caring schools; quality professionals, including teachers, administrators and staff; and effective and efficient operations. Educators, parents, students, elected officials, community and business leaders should all commit to having our best year ever as we enter the new millennium. That's the way to raise student achievement and help all our students succeed.
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