A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to direct the state board of education to recommend steps necessary to transition to a competency‑based assessment and teaching model for all elementary and secondary students in north carolina.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Pursuant to the intent of the General Assembly expressed in Section 8.12 of Session Law 2015‑241, the State Board of Education shall determine and analyze the steps necessary to transition to a competency‑based assessment and teaching model for all elementary and secondary students. Based on its analysis, the State Board shall recommend transition steps that accomplish the following competency‑based objectives:
(1)	Students advance upon mastery.
(2)	Competencies are broken down into explicit and measurable learning objectives.
(3)	Assessment is meaningful for students, accomplishes the goals of the statewide testing program for measuring student achievement and student growth, and complies with the conditions of federal grant funds.
(4)	Students receive differentiated support based on their learning needs.
(5)	Learning outcomes emphasize competencies that include the application and creation of knowledge.
In conducting its analysis, the State Board shall examine (i) competency‑based assessments in other states, including potential benefits and obstacles to implementing similar systems in North Carolina, (ii) the relationship between competency‑based assessments and innovative teaching methods utilized in North Carolina schools, and (iii) any other considerations the Board deems relevant to transitioning to a competency‑based assessment and teaching model. No later than May 15, 2020, the State Board shall submit a report of its analysis and recommended transition steps to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee.
SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.