CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is celebrating another year of academic progress, but district leaders and education advocates say there is still important work to do when it comes to closing achievement gaps.
New state testing data shows proficiency improved across CMS in every tested subject during the 2025-26 school year. Overall, about 61% of CMS students reached grade-level proficiency, up from 56% the previous year. Black and Hispanic students also made gains, with the gap between Black and white students narrowing more than it did in the other four largest school districts in North Carolina. (AOL.com)
Still, the numbers show a significant difference remains. About 86% of white students were proficient compared with roughly 50% of Black students and 48% of Hispanic students. The Hispanic-white gap was about 37.8 percentage points, although it narrowed by nearly four points during the past school year. (AOL.com)
CMS leaders say the district is using student performance data, literacy coaches and targeted instruction to identify where students need additional support. Board members, however, say overall academic growth can’t be the only measure of success if some groups continue to fall behind. (wfae.org)
Here at 105.3 RNB, we celebrate every student making progress — but we also know every child deserves the opportunity and resources to succeed. The goal isn’t just higher scores; it’s making sure the gains reach every classroom, every neighborhood and every community.
