Bill
SB 1006
The bill funds and accelerates a broad reform of NC K-12 education, emphasizing high school redesign, competency-based pathways, and expanded access to work-based learning and adva
Purpose
- The bill aims to fund and implement a broad set of reforms to elementary, secondary, and transitional education with a focus on high school redesign, stronger college and workforce alignment, and modernized teaching and learning supports. It also seeks to pilot innovative programs, expand access to advanced courses, and accelerate state efforts toward competency-based education (CBE).
Key Provisions
1) North Carolina High School Redesign Commission
- Establishment: Creates the North Carolina High School Redesign Commission (located administratively in the Department of Public Instruction but functioning independently).
- Membership: 15 members representing legislative, executive, higher education, public and private sectors, and local districts/co-ops.
- Duties: Review and recommend high school and higher education policies to better prepare students for college/workforce; consider flexible diplomas, work-based learning (apprenticeships, internships, credentials), personalized pathways, modular/competency-based credits, community partnerships, AI in career exploration, and alternative funding models.
- Reporting: Annual reports to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee beginning April 30, 2027, with evaluations of CBE and redesign efforts.
- Duration: Termination date set for June 30, 2031, or upon final annual report.
2) SME Education Foundation Pilot Program
- Funds: $3.6 million nonrecurring to 2026-2027 for a 10-school pilot focusing on SME PRIME activities (equipment, curriculum, PD, scholarships, STEM activities).
- Duration: Funds available through end of 2027-2028.
3) Prohibition on Excessive Expenditures (new DPIC oversight)
- Adds a process to review monthly state-funded expenditures by local school units; over-expenditures must be remitted to the DPI.
- Monthly audits for compliance; DPI and State Board enforcement mechanisms.
4) Renewal School System Modifications and Study
- Updates to renewal school system provisions (S.L. 2018-32) including reporting requirements, performance metrics, and potential termination if goals are not met.
- Requires NC Collaboratory-led evaluation on renewal’s impact, with a report by Jan 15, 2028.
5) Expanded Automatic Enrollment in Advanced Courses (Math/ELA)
- Expands advanced coursework opportunities in mathematics (grades 3–12 as feasible) and sets placement rules based on end-of-grade/test results.
- Requires annual DPI reporting on participation, placement, and outcomes, including subdivision of data.
6) SparkNC Expansion – Experiential Learning and Learning Accelerators
- Creates a new Learning Accelerator program (modular STEM experiences) funded via State dollars to public school units, with a focus on competency-based credit.
- Establishes partnerships with eligible non-profit/industry partners (e.g., SparkNC) and outlines a Learning Lab facilitator model, internships, and credentialing.
- Funding: Recurring funds allocated for lab facilitators and start-up costs; annual reporting requirements.
7) Extended Learning and Integrated Supports Grant Program
- Establishes a competitive grant program for at-risk students, emphasizing evidence-based, multi-tier supports, and STEM/readiness alignment.
- Grants may require matching funds (up to 3:1 State:non-State), with final reporting and annual DPI oversight.
8) Public School Sites in Commercial Zones
- Allows siting of public school buildings in areas zoned for commercial use by right or special use.
9) Advanced Teaching Roles and Teacher-Pipeline Measures (TeachReadyNC)
- Establishes TeachReadyNC to expand teacher supply via registered apprenticeships and internship/supervision models.
- Grants, administration, and reporting provisions related to apprentices, supervisors, and licensure implications.
- Includes potential statewide rollout and fiscal notes (administrative funds and performance reporting).
10) Community College Seamless Skills Initiative
- Partners FTCC and Wilkes CC to create competency-based pathways linking high school and community college, with digital credential wallets and work-based learning.
11) Competency-Based High School and Healthcare/Hi-Tech Pathways
- MGSD and MCC collaboration to design CBE pathways, flexibilities for credits, and vendor support for proficiency scales; funding and program timing for phased rollout.
12) AI Academic Support Program (Khan Academy – Khanmigo)
- DPI may contract with Khan Academy to provide Khanmigo AI tutoring for grades 6–12, including licensing, rostering, and student/teacher usage reporting.
- Separate DJJ ( juvenile justice) deployment and study requirements; DPI to report annually on usage and outcomes.
13) Other Provisions
- Health Living Standards revision for 2028-2029 implementing expanded mental health and substance abuse content.
- Advanced Teaching Roles funding boosts and related grant programs.
- Various effective dates, with several sections applying from 2026-2027 onward.
Potential Impact
Effective Dates
- Many provisions apply starting 2026-2027, with pilots and statewide plans anticipated through 2028-2030 and beyond. Some sections mandate reporting by 2027-2028, and the Commission/tracking extends to 2031.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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