A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to study the inclusion of career and college readiness coursework in the calculation of school performance grades for high schools.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  There is established the Joint Legislative Study Committee on the Inclusion of Career and College Readiness Coursework in School Performance Grades (Committee). The Committee shall consist of three members of the Senate appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and three members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of the Representatives shall each appoint a cochair of the Committee from among its membership. Members shall serve at the pleasure of the appointing officer.
SECTION 2.  The Committee shall study and make recommendations on the following:
(1)	Different ways to include in high school performance grades the participation and success in coursework that results in credit toward (i) college graduation (such as dual enrollment, AP, or IB courses) or (ii) a valuable postsecondary credential or certification recognized by one or more nationally recognized business groups.
(2)	How other states have incorporated the coursework described in subdivision (1) of this section into their school evaluation systems, including a review of other states' Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plans.
(3)	How various approaches for including such coursework in high school performance grades would impact school performance grades across the State, including sample calculations by the Department of Public Instruction.
(4)	Any other issue the Committee considers relevant to this study.
SECTION 3.  The Committee shall meet upon the call of its cochairs. A quorum of the Committee is a majority of its members. No action may be taken except by a majority vote at a meeting at which a quorum is present. The Committee, while in the discharge of its official duties, may exercise all powers provided for under G.S. 120‑19 and Article 5A of Chapter 120 of the General Statutes. The Committee may contract for professional, clerical, or consultant services, as provided by G.S. 120‑32.02. Members of the Committee shall receive per diem, subsistence, and travel allowance as provided in G.S. 120‑3.1. The expenses of the Committee shall be considered expenses incurred for the joint operation of the General Assembly.
SECTION 4.  The Legislative Services Officer shall assign professional and clerical staff to assist the Committee in its work. The Director of Legislative Assistants of the House of Representatives and the Director of Legislative Assistants of the Senate shall assign clerical support to staff the Committee.
SECTION 5.  The Committee shall submit a final report on the results of its study, including any proposed legislation, to the members of the Senate and the House of Representatives on or before April 1, 2020, by filing a copy of the report with the Office of the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee, and the Legislative Library. The Committee shall terminate on April 1, 2020, or upon the filing of its final report, whichever occurs first.
SECTION 6.  This act is effective when it becomes law.