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SB 748

Creating Safer Communities Act

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Charles Clements and 1 co-sponsor

Requires K-5 students in NC to receive instruction in evaluating information and critical thinking as part of the standard curriculum starting 2025-26.

On 3rd reading, House Calendar
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Bill Summary · SB 748

Summary — SB 748: "Teach Critical Thinking in Elementary"

Main purpose

SB 748 amends North Carolina education law to require that the State’s standard course of study include instruction in critical thinking for students in kindergarten through grade 5. The goal is to ensure young students learn to evaluate information rather than only memorize facts.

Key provisions

  • Adds a new statutory section (proposed as G.S. 115C‑81.77) requiring public elementary schools to provide instruction in critical thinking for grades K–5.
  • Specifies the instructional focus: enabling students to evaluate information (analytical/critical thinking skills) instead of rote memorization.
  • Effective date/timing: the act is effective upon becoming law and applies beginning with the 2025–2026 school year.

Who is affected

  • Primary: Public elementary students in North Carolina (kindergarten through grade 5).
  • Secondary: Local school districts, curriculum developers, elementary teachers, teacher-preparation programs, and assessment/policy staff who will align instruction and materials to the revised standard course of study.

Implementation timeline & procedural status

  • Introduced and sponsored in the Senate by Senator Sanderson (primary sponsor).
  • The statute takes effect on enactment and is required to be applied starting with the 2025–26 school year (i.e., districts should implement the change for that school year).
  • Current bill status (per provided information): Passed first reading and progressed through committee and legislative steps toward enactment (see legislative history for exact dates in your jurisdiction).

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Curriculum change: State and local education agencies will need to revise K–5 curricular frameworks and learning objectives to incorporate critical‑thinking instruction.
  • Professional development: Teachers may require training and new instructional materials to teach evaluative and analytical thinking skills effectively.
  • Resource needs: Local districts may need funding for curriculum development, materials, and teacher training (the bill text does not specify funding or mandate particular resources).
  • Assessment: The bill requires instruction but does not prescribe new statewide testing or specific assessment methods for critical thinking; assessment/ accountability decisions would be left to policy-makers or implementing agencies.

Additional notes

  • The statutory language emphasizes teaching students to evaluate information rather than simply memorize it.
  • If you need a concise timeline of the bill’s legislative actions or a briefing memo for district administrators outlining implementation steps, I can prepare that next.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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