A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to provide for a study of what high school graduates need to know in a rapidly changing and complex global society and economy.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  The State Board of Education and the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina shall jointly study the issue of what high school graduates need to know and be able to do in a rapidly changing and complex global society and economy, in order to pursue further formal education or gainful employment.  In the course of this study, the Boards shall determine:
(1)	What new skills or knowledge may be needed, particularly in the areas of literature, social sciences, technology, and foreign languages, in view of the economic needs of the State and in order to maximize our economic competitiveness;
(2)	Whether the minimum standards for admission to a constituent institution of The University of North Carolina should be revised to reflect these new skills and knowledge;
(3)	Whether the courses required for a high school diploma should be changed or whether the content of existing courses and curricula at all grade levels should be modified to reflect these new skills and knowledge;
(4)	Whether the schools of education at the constituent institutions of The University of North Carolina are preparing competent teachers in sufficient numbers to teach these new skills and knowledge;
(5)	Whether foreign language courses other than European languages are available in the public schools. If so, the languages that are available and where they are taught; and
(6)	Whether the ABCs accountability program should be modified to emphasize these new skills and knowledge.
The State Board of Education and the Board of Governors shall coordinate this study with the North Carolina Center for International Understanding and the Department of Commerce in order to build on the work of the North Carolina in the World Project and to align the State’s global education needs with the global economic strategic priorities.
The Boards shall report their findings, including any recommendations for statutory or policy changes, by May 15, 2006, to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee.
SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.