GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1989

S	2 

SENATE BILL 636
Second Edition Engrossed 4/20/89

Short Title:  Encourage PSAT.	(Public)
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Sponsors: Senator Ward.
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Referred to:  Education.
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March 27, 1989

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO ENCOURAGE COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENTS TO TAKE THE PSAT AT LEAST ONCE BEFORE TAKING THE SCHOLASTIC APTITUDE TEST (SAT).
Whereas, early exposure to college entrance examinations improves students' test-taking skills; and
Whereas, the diagnostic value of PSAT test results permits students to make better course choices to prepare them for college and for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT); and
Whereas, the General Assembly wishes to encourage each college-bound student to take the PSAT at least once before taking the Scholastic Aptitude Test; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1.  Article 10A of Chapter 115C of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new Part to read:
“Part 3. PSAT Opportunities Encouraged.
"§ 115C-174.18.  Opportunity to take PSAT.
Every student in the eighth through tenth grades who has completed Algebra I or who is in the last month of Algebra I shall be given an opportunity to take a version of the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT)	one time at State expense.  The State Board of Education shall contract with the College Board for the tests and for comprehensive diagnostic information to accompany PSAT score reports.
"§ 115C-174.19. Reports and recommendations.
The Superintendent of Public Instruction shall report biennially to the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives on the effect of the implementation of this Part, and shall make such recommendations for modification or revision as he deems appropriate and necessary."
Sec. 2. There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Public Education the sum of three hundred sixty-five thousand dollars ($365,000) for the 1989-90 fiscal year, and the sum of three hundred ninety-six thousand dollars ($396,000) for the 1990-91 fiscal year, for the purpose of implementing this act.  For each year of the biennium, no more than five percent (5%) of the funds appropriated in this act may be used for program administration.
Sec. 3. This act shall become effective July 1, 1989.