More than 1,000 students returned to Durham Public Schools' comprehensive innovative high schools on Thursday.
Researchers said it's almost as if students in North Carolina have missed 27 weeks of learning in reading and 15 weeks in math.
Under the framework, state employees would see an average 3% raise, while teachers would receive an average 8% increase, along with one-time bonuses.
Teach For America North Carolina hosted a panel discussion after visiting a school in Edgecombe County.
Organizers estimate the effort served more than 2,000 students across Durham
North Carolina is the only state in the country that has not passed a state budget, which affects teacher raises and education funding.