House committee substitute makes the following change to the 1st edition:

Amends the long title.

Amends GS 115C-12. Clarifies that a student may only receive a high school diploma endorsement if that student receives the currently described scores on a nationally norm-referenced college admissions test for reading (1st edition seemed to require the score generally). Provides that the student may take the test as many times as necessary prior to graduation (was, prior to exiting high school).

Directs the Superintendent of Public Instruction to study and make recommendations on best practices for public schools in the State to improve reading comprehension, understanding, and application for students in grades four through 12. Provides requirements for the study, and authorizes the Superintendent to contract with an independent research organization to assist in the study. Directs the Superintendent to report findings by January 15, 2019, to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the State Board of Education. Authorizes the State Board of Education to use the findings to inform the Board's policies, and to submit additional comments on the report by February 15, 2019, to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight committee, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Specifies that the act applies beginning with high school diploma endorsements awarded in the 2019-2020 (was, 2018-19) school year.