insights archive

North Carolina stands at a critical junction in its educational evolution. As the state aims to increase educational attainment to 2 million adults by 2030 (myFutureNC, 2025), the “2025 Facts & Figures” report by BEST NC presents a comprehensive view of the demographic, fiscal, and systemic shifts impacting students, educators, and school communities across the state.

The back-to-school season represents a pivotal time in the annual operations of education technology (EdTech) companies and education publishers.

The FY2026 education budget proposed by the Trump Administration marks a seismic policy shift: a $12 billion (15.3%) reduction in discretionary funding and a stated intent to “wind down” the U.S. Department of Education. The proposed $66.7 billion budget centers on decentralization, emphasizing state and local control while consolidating or eliminating over 50 federal education programs.

The national shortage of Exceptional Children’s (EC) teachers—those serving students with disabilities and unique learning needs—has reached crisis levels, with significant implications for educational equity and compliance with federal mandates.

In today’s fast-moving professional environments, from bustling classrooms to fast-paced corporate offices, time is a premium. Traditional, day-long training sessions are often impractical — and increasingly, ineffective. Enter micro lessons: short, focused learning experiences that deliver just-in-time training in digestible chunks.

In today’s classrooms, Differentiated Instruction and AI-powered tools like Alef Math Pathways are redefining personalized learning by adapting lessons to each student’s needs. Discover how these innovations work together to create more inclusive, student-centered learning environments that help every child thrive.

By considering the following questions, we are better able to get the root causes of students' readiness for Tier 1 instruction before developing solutions.

The Quantile Measure framework helps track student growth in mathematics and identify the skills they are ready to learn, using a unified scale from kindergarten to high school. Created by MetaMetrics, it supports teachers in selecting the right skills for each student’s progress.

MTSS is an umbrella that represents the systems of support that schools put in place to make sure that all students are successful at school.

Mathematics is more than a classroom subject; it plays a vital role in our daily lives, helping us manage finances, cook accurately, and make informed decisions. By embracing math in everyday tasks, we enhance our problem-solving abilities and become more confident and efficient in navigating life.

In this article, we’ll explore how adopting a growth mindset can foster greater success in math, helping students break free from the belief that they are "bad" at the subject. By focusing on effort, strategy, and embracing mistakes as learning opportunities, students can reframe how they see themselves as math learners, opening the door to deeper understanding and lasting achievement.

Quality Tier 1 instruction forms the core of general education, providing a strong foundation that meets the needs of most students. This article explores the importance of Tier 1 teaching and its role in supporting the majority of learners without requiring extra intervention.

Mathematics is essential for developing students' analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and their ability to navigate real-world tasks like managing finances. By fostering critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the world, math empowers students to think independently and make informed decisions.

Setting goals is crucial for personal and professional growth, but making sure they're achievable requires the right approach. This article delves into the SMART criteria and how it can transform your goal-setting process for better results.

Curious about how educational evaluation can shape both teaching and learning? This article explores key insights into its role in improving student performance and fostering effective classroom strategies.

Math can seem tough for many students, but with the right teaching strategies, you can make it a subject they love. Here are some best practices to help you create an engaging and effective math classroom.