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SB 580

relative to establishing a school cooperative purchasing program.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tim McGough and 2 co-sponsors

Creates a 10-school, time-limited grant program to shift North Carolina public schools to competency-based education, with vendor-led PD and shared proficiency scales.

Inexpedient to Legislate: MA VV 04/23/2026 HJ 11
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Bill Summary · SB 580

Summary — SB 580: Competency‑Based Education Grant Program (North Carolina)

This summary covers North Carolina Senate Bill 580 (introduced Feb 20, 2025), titled the “Competency‑Based Education Innovation Grant and Network Program.”

Purpose

Create a time‑limited grant program and statewide support network to help public schools transition from seat‑time models to competency‑based education (CBE), in which students advance based on demonstrated mastery rather than time spent in class.

Key provisions

  • Establishes the North Carolina Competency‑Based Education Innovation Grant and Network Program (the Program).
  • Program objectives include: redesigning personalized learning pathways; advancing formative and performance‑based assessment (including use of AI learning tools); building educator capacity through common professional development; and developing strategies/resources for statewide scaling.
  • Phase one timeline: planning in 2025–2026; implementation beginning 2026–2027 and continuing through the 2028–2029 school year.
  • Department of Public Instruction (DPI) responsibilities:
    • Publish an application within 60 days of the act becoming law; accept applications for 60 days thereafter.
    • Select 10 participating schools within 60 days after the application window closes, prioritizing readiness and commitment to CBE.
    • Select a third‑party vendor (Vendor) meeting specified national, research‑based credentials to co‑develop tools, lead PD, and support implementation.
    • Partner with the Vendor to develop publicly available, standards‑aligned proficiency scales for all grades/subjects and host regional PD events.
    • Form and operate a CBE Network to provide guidance, professional learning communities, technical assistance, research, and policy recommendations.
  • Grants and allowable uses:
    • Award amount: $330,000 per participating school.
    • Each school must spend $95,000 per school year on CBE training; remaining funds may be used for transition costs (e.g., resources, travel).
    • Grant funds remain available through the end of the 2028–2029 fiscal year.
    • Applicants must include a sustainability plan for post‑grant continuation.
  • Reporting and evaluation:
    • Participating schools must submit quarterly progress reports (including student learning outcome data and evidence of mastery progress).
    • DPI must submit a final report on Phase One outcomes to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee by December 1, 2029 (including student outcomes, implementation challenges, and recommendations for scaling).
  • Funding: Legislature intends to fund the Program with nonrecurring funds in FY 2025–2026.

Who is affected

  • Directly: the 10 selected public schools and their public school units, participating educators, students, and the selected vendor(s).
  • Indirectly: DPI (administration and oversight), other school districts (through dissemination of tools/best practices), and the State budget (one‑time appropriation).

Potential impact and considerations

  • Positive: Provides concentrated funding, vendor expertise, and a network to pilot and evaluate CBE approaches; aims to create scalable proficiency tools and PD.
  • Limitations/risks: Small initial cohort (10 schools) and time‑limited funding may constrain long‑term sustainability; effectiveness depends on vendor quality, school capacity, and the strength of sustainability plans; implementation complexity (assessment, policy, data systems) may pose challenges.
  • Accountability: Quarterly school reports and a DPI final report are required to document outcomes and inform possible future scaling.

Legislative status

According to the provided docket information, SB 580 was withdrawn from committee / indefinitely postponed (status: “Withdrawn From Com” / “Indefinitely postponed and withdrawn from consideration”). Introduced Feb 20, 2025; sponsors listed as Senators Lee and Jones. (This summary reflects the bill text and timelines as introduced.)

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

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