***
North Carolina was one of eight states granted this week a waiver from the federal “No Child Left Behind” requirements. The U.S. Department of Education granted the waivers in exchange for commitments to develop new accountability systems that track how well schools are preparing students for graduation and higher education. North Carolina officials submitted a plan to develop higher standards for English and math, increase access for students with disabilities to educational resources, and implement a program for turning around low-performing schools.  The state’s new standards also include graduation rates as an accountability measure, along with dropout rates.
N.C. Governor Bev Perdue said the state’s new education standards will provide more flexibility to narrow achievement gaps, increase equity and “improve the educational outcomes for all students.”
North Carolina is one of 26 states that submitted waiver requests. The U.S. Department of Education, which previously granted waivers to 11 states, says the waivers are a temporary solution until the decade-old No Child Left Behind law can be updated.
– source: www.newsobserver.com, 5-29-12
***
Raleigh-Durham-Cary is one of the “geekiest” metro areas in the country, according to Forbes. The North Carolina metro area was in the top five of the magazine’s list of “America’s Top 20 Geekiest Cities.”
Forbes noted the substantial employment base provided by Research Triangle, along with the area’s universities. The magazine adds that Raleigh-Durham-Cary has the third highest percentage in the country of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree.
– source: www.newsobserver, com, www.forbes.com, 5-23-12
***
Cape Hatteras is one of the top 10 beaches in America, according to the latest ranking by “Dr. Beach” professor Stephen P. Leatherman of Florida International University. Cape Hatteras took the 10th spot in the ranking, now in its 22nd year.
The 2012 ranking was headed by Coronado Beach in San Diego, Calif. Kahanamoku Beach in Waikiki, Honolulu came in second, while Main Beach in East Hampton, N.Y. was third. Kiawah Island, S.C. took the ninth spot.
The rankings are based on the environmental quality of the beaches and safety for swimmers.
– source: www.dailypress.com, 5-25-12