Several factors contribute to this:
* Funding: Funding for public education in NC is a frequently debated topic, with some arguing it's insufficient to meet the needs of all students. Funding levels relative to other states can impact rankings.
* Achievement Scores: Scores on standardized tests like the NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) often place NC in the middle of the pack, neither significantly above nor below the national average.
* Graduation Rates: Graduation rates in NC are generally decent but might not compare favorably to top-performing states.
* Teacher Salaries and Retention: Teacher salaries and retention rates are important factors impacting education quality. NC's performance in these areas might affect its overall ranking.
* Equity Gaps: The achievement gap between different student groups (based on race, socioeconomic status, etc.) is a significant factor in overall state rankings. Addressing equity is a major challenge for NC, as it is for many states.
To get a specific numerical ranking, you'd need to consult individual ranking organizations (like Education Week, US News & World Report, etc.). Their methodologies differ, leading to variations in the rankings. Keep in mind that rankings are snapshots in time and can fluctuate year to year.