NC education commission talks early literacy, teacher pipeline

July 28, 2026 - 00:55

A state-appointed education commission in North Carolina has started writing policy recommendations aimed at improving schools. The group, created by state lawmakers, is zeroing in on three main areas: early literacy, the teacher pipeline, and how schools are graded.

Members of the commission say that getting young students reading at grade level is a top priority. They are looking at ways to strengthen reading instruction in the early grades, including better training for teachers and more support for struggling readers. The goal is to catch problems early before students fall too far behind.

Another major focus is the teacher pipeline. North Carolina has struggled to attract and keep qualified teachers, especially in rural areas and in subjects like special education and math. The commission is exploring ideas to make the profession more appealing, such as higher pay, loan forgiveness, and better mentoring for new teachers.

The group is also rethinking the state's school performance grades model. Currently, schools get A through F grades based mostly on test scores. Critics say this system is too narrow and punishes schools in low-income areas. The commission is considering adding other measures, like student growth and school climate, to give a fuller picture of how a school is doing.

The recommendations are still being drafted. The commission plans to present a final report to state lawmakers later this year.