Easley Talks High School Reform
WXII12
June 19, 2006

Greensboro, N.C. - Gov. Mike Easley on Monday discussed North Carolina's high school reform efforts with educators at the third annual N.C. New Schools Project Summer Institute.

Easley told the group that small, redesigned schools and the early college high schools are already showing positive results.

His remarks followed his announcement last week that high schools across the state that do not meet 60 percent proficiency standards will have to be restructured.

Schools such as Dudley and Smith high schools in Greensboro could be among those affected by the crackdown.

"Together we have launched one of the most aggressive and ambitious high school reform agendas in the nation," Easley said. "We knew that if we were going to develop the talent, knowledge and skill to compete on a global level then we were going to have to invest in education and make the necessary changes in our schools."

More than 400 teachers, principals and counselors from 52 New Schools Project schools and Learn and Earn early college high schools from across the state gathered in Greensboro to hear about and exchange innovative ways to approach instruction so all students are better prepared for college and the high-skilled jobs of today's workplace.

The Summer Institute provides public school teachers, administrators and higher education partners with an opportunity to access high-quality professional learning and training.

"The North Carolina New Schools Project Summer Institute provides a way for us to come together and share ideas and experiences that will help strengthen our schools," Easley said. "We have made significant strides in education but dramatic and fundamental change is still going to be necessary in each one of our high schools. Only continued hard work and unwavering commitment to our children will ensure they have the necessary opportunity for the best education."