North Carolina educators are witnessing a positive shift in student achievement thanks to the Rethink Education Facilitator Badge program, a professional development initiative that's shaping the future of teaching and learning across the state. Funded by a major grant from the U.S. Department of Education and led by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), this program specifically targets the enhancement of blended learning—a mix of in-person and digital instruction aimed at producing more adaptable and individualized educational experiences.
According to new data from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Education Policy Initiative at Carolina (EPIC), educators who have completed this program are not just tweaking their teaching methods, they are making noticeable differences in their classrooms, and Melissa Davis, NCDPI’s director of the Office of Virtual Instruction Support Services asserts, "Today’s students need to be prepared for tomorrow’s dynamic work environment." The numbers speak volumes with average increases between 5% and 10% of a standard deviation recorded on end-of-grade tests in math and English Language Arts and what's more, historically underperforming groups, including Black students and those from low-income families, have shown significant academic gains, as per the NCDPI press release.
This isn't just about test scores; it's about engagement and skills for life, too. A recent survey of program participants found that an overwhelming 98% believe the Rethink Blended Learning Facilitator Course made a noticeable difference—more than two-thirds say it's positively impacting student engagement, and over half note that it's beefing up digital literacy among learners with 92% agreeing on its effectiveness across the board with students of varied backgrounds.
Since its inception, Rethink Education has left its mark on over 1,800 educators across North Carolina, including in 100 districts, two tribal schools, and 29 charter or lab schools, training them at no cost to either teachers or their institutions; post training, these educators are putting their newfound knowledge to work within their communities, acting as leaders in education and extending their influence well beyond the duration of the initial training period, which by the way spans five to six rigorous months.
