Number 10

EdNC Perspective Piece: "Why North Carolina’s Language Programs are the Secret to Our Economic Future"

"When North Carolina was named the best state for business by CNBC in 2023, most people pointed to the usual factors: low taxes, strong infrastructure, and targeted workforce development. But there’s another, often-overlooked driver behind our state’s economic rise: our schools, and specifically, our growing number of dual language immersion (DLI) programs.

Today, nearly 250 schools across North Carolina offer dual language programs, immersing students in English and a partner language — most often Spanish — for core academic subjects such as math and science. These classrooms are preparing students to speak a second language, and they’re also equipping them with the cognitive, communication, and cultural skills they need to be globally competitive — whether they pursue careers at home or around the world.

This isn’t about language for language’s sake. It’s about workforce readiness. Toyota is constructing a $13.9 billion battery plant in Greensboro. Novo Nordisk is expanding in Clayton. Siemens Mobility is building a $220 million rail manufacturing hub in Lexington. These companies — and the thousands of jobs they bring — want employees who are multilingual, adaptable, and culturally fluent. And that preparation starts in our schools."

Read the full article here.

Number 9

Quarterly PIO Call Wednesday, Sept. 10

Public Information Officers and Charter School Communications Leaders are invited to join the quarterly PIO call on Wednesday, September 10.

Please reach out to communications@dpi.nc.gov if you did not receive the meeting information and Zoom link.

Number 8

School Improvement Plan (SIP) Tip Tuesdays Are Back!

NCDPI is excited to announce the return of SIP (School Improvement Plan) Tip Tuesdays. Join the NCStar Comprehensive Support Specialists one Tuesday each month for a focused, practical session on using NCStar to strengthen school improvement work.

Topics will include setting up your team, addressing federal designation status and even exploring ways to use AI to enhance your plan. Don’t miss this opportunity to build skills and strategies that make a real impact! 

Find additional details and register here.

Number 7

NCVPS is Offering New Courses for 2025-26

NCVPS is excited to expand course offerings for the upcoming school year with a selection of new courses and rewritten courses! From world languages and cultural studies to business, marketing and cutting-edge science electives, these courses are designed to challenge students and prepare them for college and career pathways. Students can explore their interests and earn honors credit at the same time.

• Astronomy/Astronomy Honors
• Blended Earth/Environmental Science
• Business Essentials Honors
• Entrepreneurship I Honors
• French I & II Honors
• Latin I & II Honors
• Marketing I Honors
• Oceanography Honors
• Spanish I & II Honors
• Vet Science Honors
• Visual Arts Grade 8
• Visual Arts Intermediate
• Visual Arts Specialization (Accomplished Honors): Digital Photography II
• World Mythology/World Mythology Honors

Learn more about course offerings by using the searchable and filterable online catalog. 

Number 6

Burroughs Wellcome Fund Promoting Innovation in Science and Mathematics (PRISM) for Public School Teachers Grant - Applications Due Sept. 30

The Promoting Innovation in Science and Mathematics (PRISM) awards enhance the excitement for STEM in the classroom by providing funds for materials, equipment and supplies related to the implementation of high-quality curriculum and activities in the classroom.

This award provides up to $3,000 for one year to cover the cost of equipment, materials, and supplies. An additional $1,500 may be requested for professional development related to the implementation of new equipment or the use of materials in the classroom. Awards are made to teaching professionals that hold a professional educator's license to teach in a North Carolina K-12 public school.

Learn more and apply for the grant here. The deadline to apply is September 30 at 3 p.m.

Number 5

2025 UNC System Virtual Open House

October is NC Countdown to College month! To aid students in making a decision for college, the UNC System is hosting its sixth annual Virtual Open House for prospective students, families and high school counselors to learn more about the 16 UNC System universities.

During the weeks of October 6 and 13, a series of four virtual sessions will be hosted via Zoom. Admissions counselors from each institution will share helpful information about the admissions process and current students from each university will share about their college experience and answer your questions live.

This event is for rising high school juniors, seniors, and early or middle college (first-year) students!

Learn more about the Virtual Open House sessions here.

Number 4

Applications Open for 2025-26 Purple Star Award

In 2019, The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction launched the Purple Star Award Designation initiative to recognize the state’s strong military presence and its support for military families. The Purple Star designation is awarded to schools that demonstrate military-friendly practices and a commitment to military students and families.

Applications for the 2025-25 Purple Star Awards are due on February 1, 2026.

To learn more about the Purple Star Award Designation, email Howard.Lattimore@dpi.nc.gov or visit the Purple Star Award webpage.

Number 3

Podcast: Critical Conversations with Scott T. Hamilton featuring North Carolina State Superintendent of Public Instruction Maurice “Mo” Green

"Recently, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton sat down with the State Superintendent of Public Instruction Maurice “Mo” Green via Zoom and filmed an episode of Critical Conversations. In this series, Scott talks with professionals about economic development issues affecting the state."

Listen to or watch the podcast episode here. 

Number 2

Video: Accountability and Testing Results Press Conference

North Carolina students are making gains according to accountability and testing results presented at the September State Board of Education meeting on Wednesday.

The 2024–25 school year brought a three-year high in test scores, with students scoring higher in 12 of 15 math and reading assessments. The graduation rate climbed to 87.7%—a decade high—and nearly 50 fewer schools were designated as low-performing.

Catch the press conference featuring NCDPI senior leadership and Nash Early College High as they share the success stories behind these results.

Explore reports, briefs and more here.

Number 1

Test Scores, Graduation Rates on the Rise for North Carolina Students

"North Carolina students achieved a three-year high in most standardized tests at the end of the 2024-25 academic year, according to the annually released test data that was presented to the State Board of Education today.

Students scored higher in 12 of 15 math and reading assessments, with only third-grade reading, English II and NC Math I trailing the 2023-24 results. The average composite score for 11th graders taking the ACT, a college readiness test, rebounded to 18.2 in 2024-25 from a slight dip of 18.1 the previous year.

Demonstrating alignment to Pillar I of the Strategic Plan, Prepare Each Student for Their Next Phase in Life, new data shows that the four-year cohort graduation rate has also risen to 87.7%, up from 87.0% in 2023-24, and is the highest in the past 10 years."

Read the full press release here.