NC schools assigned A through F grades on student results

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — About one out of 20 North Carolina public schools are getting an "A'' while about 6 percent brought home an "F'' on new statewide school report cards.

The State Board of Education on Thursday unveiled grades for more than 2,400 public schools. This year's generous grading curve means more than 70 percent of the state's schools got a grade of "C'' or better.

Schools could only receive an "F'' if they score below 40 out of 100 points. Students themselves receive an "F'' grade if they score below 63.

Eighty percent of the school grades are based on how students performed on standardized tests.

All schools receiving a "D'' or "F'' must send letters to students' parents informing them of the grade.

Some parents at Cotswold Elementary were surprised to learn the school received an average score.

"I am a little surprised by it," Myra Helms said. "I would have expected a B."

In Mecklenburg County, about 59 percent of schools received a C or below. About 31 percent received a B grade and about 11 percent earned an A.
 
"We have work to do, and we recognize we have work to do," said Frank Barnes, chief accountability officer for Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools.

In a news conference Thursday, leaders were particularly alarmed by reading scores.  Forty-four percent of schools received a D or an F in that subject.

They were excited to see CMS outperforming the state in some areas.

"When you look at our schools that have As and Bs, you see 42 percent got As and Bs, and at the state level 29 got As and Bs," Barnes said.

Although the scores were just released, leaders have known the results for about six months and said they've been working on ways to improve.

Governor McCrory issued the following statement after the release of the school performance grades: 
 
"Today, our state took a positive first step to provide North Carolina's parents, communities and policymakers with a clear measure of what matters most: our students' academic achievement," Governor McCrory said. "When a school is struggling, we need to work together to provide it the support it needs. When a school is excelling, we need to learn from and spread that excellence, so that every child, regardless of circumstance, has the opportunity to reach their potential.
 
"Congratulations to those schools which met or exceeded their student growth goals. It's important that we recognize growth and continuous improvement. 
 
I look forward to working with the General Assembly and my Education Cabinet on policies that will improve student performance. I want to thank our teachers for the hard work they're putting in each day to make North Carolina's schools the best in the nation."

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:

• Lockdown lifted at 2 north Charlotte schools
• FBI, NC law enforcement arrest 10 in online predator operation
• CMPD investigating after woman shot in northwest Charlotte
• NC schools getting A through F grades on student performance
• Documents: Lenoir woman's body may have been moved after death

WSOC