An overview is presented of the actions of the General Assembly and the State Board of Education of North Carolina in authorizing a number of education proposals focusing on the accountability of school personnel. Progress highlights in the efforts to improve and maintain quality teacher preparation programs are outlined; these highlights cover such topics as competencies and guidelines for approved teacher education programs, initial teacher certification and evaluation of beginning teachers. An outline is provided of the eight performance criteria upon which teachers will be evaluated, not only for initial and final certification, but also for promotion up the career ladder. The four levels of differentiation in the Career Development Plan are listed: (1) initial status; (2) provisional status; (3) Career Status I; and (4) Career Status II. The requirements for attaining each status are described, and the appeal process for moving from one status to another is explained. Observations and evaluations for making recommendations for movement to Status I and beyond are outlined. (JD)