This paper describes the State's progress in implementing a comprehensive and coherent approach to education reform from the time of application through June 30, 2011. In particular, this report highlights key accomplishments over the reporting period in the four reform areas: standards and assessments, data systems to support instruction, great teachers and leaders, and turning around lowest-achieving schools. North Carolina's progress and accomplishments in the first year of Race to the Top have positioned the state for effective implementation of reform efforts over the course of the grant. In the first year, North Carolina established its project infrastructure, including project plans, vision documents, policies/procedures, staffing, partnerships and contracts, input and oversight mechanisms (including stakeholder oversight bodies and working groups), as well as gathered diagnostic information to guide implementation in the education reform content areas. [For the parent document, "Race to the Top Annual Performance Report," see ED529267. For the state summary report, "Race to the Top. North Carolina Report. Year 1: School Year 2010-2011. [State-Specific Summary Report]", see ED529322.]