A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT directing the state board of education to identify research‑based methods to reduce the dropout rate and the number of suspended students.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  The State Board of Education shall identify research‑based methods to reduce the dropout rate and the number of suspended students, especially in high‑poverty schools with diverse student populations.  As part of its study, the State Board shall review the research for best practices, effective policies, and model programs in areas such as (i) academic rigor in the curriculum, (ii) early identification of at‑risk students, (iii) effective supplemental services for at‑risk students, (iv) school size, (v) school climate, and (vi) adolescent literacy programs, as they relate to a reduction in the dropout rate and the number of suspended students.
The State Board shall report its findings to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee by January 2006.
SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.