When policy works, the results can be transformative. North Carolina’s success expanding Advanced Placement access and achievement offers a model of effective, well-funded policy. Meanwhile, policy failure can have significant consequences, as seen in the federal government’s recent shutdown and its impact on children and families.
When Policy Works
In 2015, a statewide effort was launched to increase participation and achievement in Advanced Placement (AP) courses through the passage of G.S. 115C-174.26. This legislation established the NC AP Partnership, a state-funded collaboration between the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) and the College Board. The partnership provides targeted district support and statewide professional development for educators and administrators. The law also covers the cost of all AP exam fees for students, removing a long-standing financial barrier that often discouraged participation among lower-income families.
Last school year, the number of North Carolina students earning qualifying scores (3 or higher) grew by 21% from the previous year, reaching an all-time high of 72.1%. These results not only outpace the national average but also show a steady upward trend since 2021, moving the state closer to its 2030 goal of 75%. Participation also increased across regions and racial and ethnic groups.
This progress demonstrates the tangible impact of well-funded, data-driven policy decisions. Students are gaining access to rigorous coursework, earning college credit, and saving millions in potential tuition costs. At the local level, district initiatives have reinforced these gains–such as Alamance-Burlington Schools removing its honors precalculus course to encourage enrollment in AP Calculus, and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools investing in summer training for AP teachers. Together, these policies illustrate how aligned efforts at both state and local levels can expand opportunity, strengthen college readiness, and provide a measurable return on investment in public education.
When Policy Falls Short–Federal Government Reopens
President Trump signed a continuing resolution Wednesday evening, officially ending the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. The continuing resolution funds most federal agencies through the end of January and reverses the mass layoffs of federal employees that occurred during the shutdown. It also extends funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Agriculture, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), military construction, and Congress itself through September 2026. For North Carolina SNAP recipients, partial benefits had been released for November, but the reinstatement of full funding now allows NCDHHS to resume normal disbursements. However, uncertainty remains around another critical issue: whether Congress will vote to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance subsidies, set to expire at the end of the year. Currently, 24 million Americans receive coverage through the ACA marketplace, with 93% receiving tax credits to reduce costs. If these subsidies expire, premiums could rise sharply, potentially leaving millions uninsured. Such losses could drive up Medicare and hospital costs, strain local governments, and lead to poorer health outcomes. For students and families, diminished access to healthcare often results in increased absenteeism and unmet needs that directly affect learning and classroom performance.
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