Update on the North Carolina ELA Standards Timeline
We want to share an important update regarding the revision timeline for the North Carolina English Language Arts (ELA) Standards. After thoughtful consideration and review, we are asking the State Board of Education to delay the release of the revised standards to ensure an intentional and high-quality outcome for all students and educators across our state.
The additional time allows us to strengthen our priorities in several critical areas:
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Deeper Alignment with the Science of Reading (SOR): We are committed to ensuring the revised standards are firmly grounded in research-based reading practices that support early literacy development and long-term success.
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Coherence and Intentionality: A revised timeline will provide the necessary space to ensure a coherent structure across grade levels and a deliberate focus on what matters most for student learning.
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Quality over Quantity: We have heard from the field that the standards should focus on quality and limit the quantity of standards to ensure educators are able to go deeper in their instruction.
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Unbanding of K–8 Standards: The updated approach will include unbanding the K–8 grade levels to provide more precise expectations for each grade, supporting greater instructional clarity and progression.
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Expanded Opportunities for Stakeholder Input: The extended timeline creates space for additional input to ensure the standards reflect the needs of our educators, students, and families.
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Address the choice-based English 4 option: The additional time allows us to better articulate the options for districts and how the course can be tailored for student interest
Draft 3 of the revised ELA standards is tentatively scheduled to be released for field feedback from September 5 through October 1, 2025. Input will be gathered through a statewide survey and focus groups. The data collected will be analyzed beginning October 13, 2025, and used to inform the next phase of revisions. The updated draft (Draft 4) is tentatively planned for presentation and discussion at the State Board of Education meeting on December 3–4, 2025.
We remain deeply committed to maintaining clear, transparent, and ongoing communication throughout this process, and to providing the support needed to ensure a smooth and successful transition for all educators and school communities.
Thank you for your continued dedication and partnership.
ELA Standards Update Webinar Series
Mark your calendars for the 2025-2026 school year ELA Standards Update Webinars!
Join the NCDPI ELA Team throughout the 25-26 academic year to learn more about the proposed English Language Arts Standard Course of Study.
Webinars will allow participants to:
- Gain a greater understanding of the proposed standards
- Explore proposed revisions to the 2017 SCOS
- Dive deeper into the proposed SCOS organization and structure
- Receive updates on the installation timeline and supporting resource
Register today for these hour-long learning opportunities, and consider sharing the flyer with colleagues who would be interested in joining!
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