House committee substitute makes the following changes to 1st edition. Adds a new section, GS Chapter 116E, Education Longitudinal Data System, which establishes the NC Longitudinal Data System and Board (Board) as the governing body for the North Carolina Longitudinal Data System. Provides definitions for terms as used in this chapter. Identifies the requirements for the 17 designated members of the Board and appointments to the Board. Sets out term lengths, the rules governing filling vacancies and other operational details for the Board. Sets out the powers and duties of the Board. Requires that appointments to the Board be made by the appointing entity no later than August 1, 2012. Directs the Data System to be fully operational by July 1, 2014. Charges the Board with evaluating and reporting to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on specified issues regarding establishing the Data System by January 15, 2013.
Creates the North Carolina Longitudinal Data System (Data System). Declares that the Data System is located administratively in the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) but authorizes the Data System to exercise its powers and duties independently of DPI and the State Board of Education. Provides that the Data System is an authorized representative of DPI, the University of North Carolina, and the North Carolina System of Community Colleges under applicable state and federal statues for the purposes of accessing and compiling student record information for research purposes.
States that the purpose of the Data System is to (1) facilitate and enable the exchange of student data among state agencies and institutions; (2) generate timely and accurate student performance information to be used to improve the state’s education system and provide guidance to decision makers; and (3) facilitate and enable linking student data and workforce data. Limits the linking of student data and workforce data to no longer than five years from the date the student completes secondary education or the date of the student’s most recent attendance at an institution of higher learning, whichever is later. Identifies the functions and duties of the Data System. Provides that the Data System may receive funding from state appropriations, and grants from community, state, private, and federal entities.
Directs local school administrative units, charter schools, community colleges, the constituent institutions of the University of North Carolina, and state agencies to comply in data sharing. Provides that private post-secondary institutions, the NC Independent Colleges and Universities, Inc., and nonpublic schools may participate in the data sharing.
Amends GS 105-259(b) to allow the disclosure of tax information to the Data System. Prohibits including information allowing specific taxpayers to be identified in the tax information provided.
Amends the title to reflect the addition of new GS Chapter 116E.