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NC Chamber Remains Engaged on High Academic Standards

Our state has made great steps in recent years to broaden access to high-quality education opportunities for students. In fact, the National Assessment of Educational Progress recently ranked North Carolina among the top-five states in aligning student tests to appropriately high proficiency standards. It’s great to see broader recognition that our more rigorous standards are working. But while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done. The NC Chamber, through the Hire Standards, NC coalition, remains engaged in the discussion around high academic standards and premium workforce development systems that close the skills gap and provide today’s students with opportunities to lead productive lives in tomorrow’s economy.

Yesterday, Kip Blakely, vice president of government affairs and industry relations at Haeco, gave a presentation on behalf of the NC Chamber to the Academic Standards Review Commission. In detailing Haeco’s collaboration with Guilford County schools and Guilford Technical Community College, he emphasized the importance of business participation in creating a first-class workforce development system that connects students with job opportunities that match their skillsets. We were on hand to record Kip’s presentation, so stay tuned to the conversation as we will provide that footage in a future update.

You will also be able to view a portion of Kip’s presentation and add your voice to the discussion on high education and workforce standards by joining us on Thursday, August 13 in RTP for the 2015 Conference on Education. Register today and secure your spot for this premier event that will bring the state’s leading experts together for what promises to be the next big step toward an education system that ensures North Carolina’s students remain the best and brightest around.

Gary J. Salamido
Vice President, Government Affairs
North Carolina Chamber