SUMMARY: North Carolina has seen a slight improvement in math performance since the COVID-19 pandemic, but reading scores remain below pre-pandemic levels. Nationally, fourth-grade math scores improved while eighth-grade scores stagnated. The achievement gap between high- and low-performing students has widened, reflecting similar trends seen in NAEP data. Despite these challenges, North Carolina’s math performance exceeds the national average, though reading lags. State officials note ongoing efforts, such as implementing a new literacy program and training for teachers, which aim to enhance early literacy skills. Optimism remains for future assessments to reflect these foundational improvements.

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SUMMARY: President Trump recently made several significant moves, including offering federal employees the option to resign by February 6, with full pay and benefits through September 2025, excluding certain positions like military personnel and immigration officers. The offer comes with the expectation that remaining workers return to in-person offices five days a week. Additionally, Trump issued an order limiting medical options for transgender children and adults under 19, including banning federal funding for gender transition treatments. The American Federation of Government Employees criticized the actions, warning of their potential negative impact on the functioning of the federal government.

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SUMMARY: Enrollment at North Carolina’s Appalachian State University, UNC Asheville, and Western Carolina University has rebounded following Hurricane Helene’s impact last fall. Compared to spring 2024, enrollments increased by 2.2% at Appalachian State, 1.9% at UNC Asheville, and 1.7% at Western Carolina, totaling 34,000 additional students since spring 2023. Emergency funding from the General Assembly facilitated repairs and increased financial aid, supporting student recovery efforts. UNC System President Peter Hans highlighted this support’s significance in helping students pursue their education despite the hurricane’s challenges, which had previously forced remote learning and disrupted many lives in the region.

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