Achieving Educational Excellence

The words "Acheiving Educational Excellence" is displayed with icons for all 8 pillars.

Best in Nation: Our Plan for NC Public Schools 

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) and the State Board of Education (SBE) developed a bold strategic plan: Achieving Educational Excellence. The five-year plan aims to position North Carolina's public schools as the best in the United States by 2030, and it is the first joint plan between the SBE and the state superintendent. 

8 Pillars of Excellence

The "Achieving Educational Excellence" plan establishes eight strategic pillars: 

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1: Prepare Each Student for Their Next Phase in Life

Expanding rigorous pathways, dual enrollment and character development

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2: Revere Public School Educators

Competitive compensation and career advancement opportunities

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3: Enhance Parent, Caregiver and Community Support

Strengthening family engagement and partnerships

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4: Ensure Healthy, Safe and Secure Learning Environments

Physical and emotional safety with mental health support

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5: Optimize Operational Excellence

Modernizing systems and eliminating administrative burdens

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6: Lead Transformative Change

Research-driven innovation and accountability reform

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7: Celebrate the Excellence in Public Education

Comprehensive messaging to highlight successes

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8: Galvanize Champions to Fully Invest in and Support Public Education

Building coalitions for increased investment and pride in our schools

Key Goals by 2030

  • 92% four-year graduation rate (currently 86.9%)
  • ACT composite score of 20 (currently 18.5)
  • 30% AP participation among 10th-12th graders (currently 21.5%)
  • 41% Career Technical Education (CTE) participation among all K-12 students (currently 36.1%)
  • 89% of school-aged children enrolled in public schools
  • Lead the Southeast in educator compensation
  • National leadership in National Association for Educational Preparedness (NAEP) reading and math scores 

The plan also emphasizes character development, with goals to significantly increase schools recognized as National Schools of Character and implement service-learning efforts and comprehensive character education programs statewide. 

Background

Built on input from thousands of educators, students, parents and community members through Superintendent Green's "Mo Wants to Know" listening tour, the plan is for every North Carolinian. The strategic plan development included eight regional listening sessions, over 30 stakeholder meetings and more than a dozen school visits across North Carolina. The initial draft of the plan was shared at the June 2025 State Board of Education meeting and was approved in a unanimous vote on August 7, 2025. 

 

Get Involved

Every North Carolinian can make a difference in the work ahead. If you are interested in being involved in the implementation of the strategic plan, complete the form at the link below. 

Be a Champion!

Regional Tour

Join us for a public forum in each of the eight education regions. The evening event will include a program about the strategic plan by Superintendent Green. If you are unable to attend the events in person, there will be a virtual option in November. 

  • Northeast - Thursday, September 25, 2025
  • Southeast - Friday, September 26, 2025
  • Sandhills - Monday, September 29, 2025
  • Piedmont-Triad - Thursday, October 16, 2025
  • Southwest - Monday, October 20, 2025
  • Northwest - Wednesday, October 22, 2025
  • Western -Thursday, October 23, 2025
  • North Central - Wednesday, October 29, 2025

 

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