North Carolina
Our 2012 Policy Priorities
In 2012, America’s Edge members will be urging their Congressional delegation to do the following:
Federal Policy Priorities:
1. Protect Access to High Quality Early Care and Education and Increase Quality of Programs by:
- Working to improve the quality of Head Start/Early Head Start and the Child Care and Development Block Grant through the reauthorization of these programs.
2. Strengthen our nation’s education system through the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) (Previously known as “No Child Left Behind”):
- Provide incentives for States to shift away from the traditional K-12 approach towards an educational system that incorporates early learning into the educational structure so kids are ready to learn and succeed when they enter kindergarten;
- Support Career Academies, which can help vulnerable youth develop critical skills and be prepared for careers and/or post-secondary eduction;
- Improve graduation rates measurement and accountability, including supporting both data systems that can serve as an “early warning system” for kids headed towards dropping out, as well as the use of evidence-based programs to keep kids in school and on the path towards graduation;
- Provide the support of K-12 programs which enhance academic outcomes;
- Creates a system of recruitment, professional development and retention for teachers so that more students – especially those most at-risk for adverse academic outcomes– have access to high-quality teachers; and
- Ensure that, to the maximum extent possible, funds are directed toward evidence-based approaches in the highest-need communities.
Did you know that in North Carolina:
- Almost 2.3 million children (under the age of 18) live in the state;
- 37 percent of children live in a household with only one parent;
- 63 percent of eighth graders are below grade level in math;
- 66 percent of fourth graders are reading below grade level; and
- 27 percent of high school students do not graduate on time with a high school diploma.
On January 17, 2012, a new survey of North Carolina businesses – released by the state’s Association of Workforce Development Boards – revealed that despite continued high unemployment in the state, employers in that state struggled to find skilled workers to fill current job openings. The report reinforced other findings about workforce skills shortages at the state and national level, and underscored the importance of continued investments in workforce development strategies to maintain U.S. competitiveness.