Bill
HB 340
The bill requires universal sixth-grade screening for academically or intellectually gifted students via a State Board-developed assessment, with $7M funding for 2025–26.
Short title: Universal Academically or Intellectually Gifted (AIG) Screening in Middle Schools
Purpose
- Require the State Board of Education to obtain and distribute a screening assessment for identification of academically or intellectually gifted students, and require universal administration of that screening in sixth grade across all public middle schools.
Key provisions
- Statutory changes
- Amends G.S. 115C‑150.6 by adding a new subdivision directing the State Board of Education to (i) develop or purchase and (ii) disseminate a screening assessment to be used in all middle schools to identify academically or intellectually gifted students.
- Amends G.S. 115C‑150.7(b) by adding the mandatory use of that screening assessment for all students in grade six to assist in identifying AIG students.
- Funding
- Appropriates $7,000,000 in recurring General Fund dollars to the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) for the 2025–2026 fiscal year to cover costs of the screening assessments.
- Effective date
- The act becomes effective July 1, 2025.
Who is affected
- Primary:
- All public school students in North Carolina enrolled in sixth grade (subject to universal screening).
- State Board of Education (responsible for developing/purchasing and disseminating the assessment).
- Department of Public Instruction (receives the appropriation and implements distribution/support).
- Secondary:
- Local school administrative units and middle school staff (administration, data management, and follow-up identification processes).
- Parents/guardians and district AIG/program staff who will receive screening results and facilitate further evaluation or services.
Potential impacts and considerations
- Identification and equity: Universal screening intends to reduce under‑identification and disparities by testing all sixth‑grade students rather than relying on referrals.
- Operational/administrative needs: Local districts will need procedures for test administration, data handling, parent notification, and follow‑up evaluations for students who screen positive.
- Ongoing costs and sustainability: The bill appropriates $7M for 2025–26; recurring assessment, scoring, training, and follow‑up service costs in subsequent years may require additional funds or local resources.
- Timeline for implementation: With an effective date of July 1, 2025, DPI and the State Board must act promptly to procure or develop the tool and distribute materials before the 2025–26 school year.
- Privacy and special populations: Districts must ensure assessments comply with student privacy laws and accommodate students with disabilities and English learners.
Procedural status (from bill text)
- Adds specific duties for the State Board and DPI and establishes a dedicated appropriation. The statutory references changed are G.S. 115C‑150.6 and G.S. 115C‑150.7(b).
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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