North Carolina was one of twelve states to receive a $400 million Race to the Top grant in 2010. Since then, multiple changes have been implemented to satisfy grant requirements. The requirements include: improving low-performance schools, adopting new assessments, and setting performance-based standards for teachers.
Starting next year, forty-eight states across the country will adopt Common Core standards. An integrated math system will be put into place for each state, where new courses combine algebra, algebra II, and geometry concepts. “It may be challenging for teachers who must teach new classes,” says Principal Matt Wight, “however, the system will benefit students moving from other states, who would be used to the curriculum.”
Rather than focusing solely upon content, the Common Core will promote critical thinking. “Students will be more adequately prepared for college,” says Wight. “Memorizing facts and dates is not very helpful for a teen’s future,” he elaborates.
Race to the Top may require the freshman class of 2016 to complete a graduation project. The last trial of the project was with the class of 2010. Due to cost and extensive paperwork, it was eliminated.
Grant money will fund the N.C. Education Cloud Technology initiative, which plans to improve technology by expanding the virtual public school system in math and science. “Wake already has advanced technology, but it could help more isolated schools near the mountains and beach,” says Wight.
On March 6, North Carolina is providing a free ACT for juniors. U.S. History teacher Coach Thomas prefers the ACT’s variety. “The test covers history, science, English, and math, allowing a higher number of students to perform well,” says Thomas. “Most juniors will take advantage of the opportunity, since many are college-bound and constantly seeking an edge,” he adds.
Junior Logan Buie, who has already taken the SAT twice, is glad to have the opportunity to take the ACT at no cost. “I’m applying to UNC-Chapel Hill,” she says, “and having both makes you look more prepared.”
Overall, Wight believes that Race to the Top will benefit students. “Change is always difficult, and the transition will be challenging,” says Wight. “The big goal is to help teens become college-and-career-ready students,” he comments.
