NINTH GRADE ACADEMY PILOT/FUNDS.

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View NCGA Bill Details2017-2018 Session
House Bill 730 (Public) Filed Tuesday, April 11, 2017
AN ACT TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO ESTABLISH A NINTH GRADE ACADEMY PILOT PROGRAM.
Intro. by Quick, Hardister.

Status: Ref To Com On Appropriations (House Action) (Apr 13 2017)

Bill History:

H 730

Bill Summaries:

  • Summary date: Apr 11 2017 - View Summary

    Directs the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to establish a Ninth Grade Academy Pilot Program for up to 10 local school administrative units to establish ninth grade academy programs for the purpose of providing comprehensive support for ninth grade students transitioning from middle school to high school. Establishes that the pilot program is to be for five years, beginning with the 2018-19 school year and ending with the 2022-23 school year.

    Directs DPI to develop criteria and procedures for a local administrative unit to apply to participate in the program by September 15, 2017. Requires the local administrative unit to submit an application that includes (1) a model design for the ninth grade academy, including enhanced instructional and support strategies and (2) the estimated cost of establishing the ninth grade academy, including additional staff, facilities, and support services. 

    Requires DPI to select up to 10 local school administrative units to participate in the pilot program by December 15, 2017. Provides that the local school administrative units selected must represent the geographic diversity of North Carolina, including both urban and rural areas, to the extent possible from the pool of applicants. 

    Directs DPI to contract with an independent research organization for the duration of the pilot program to evaluate the implementation and success of the ninth grade academy programs. Details four components the evaluation is to include. Requires the independent research organization to report by August 15 of each year, beginning with the initial report by August 15, 2019, and ending with a final report by August 15, 2023, to the State Board of Education and the Department of Public Instruction on all aspects of the evaluation of the pilot program. Additionally, requires DPI to report by October 15 of each year, beginning with the initial report by October 15, 2019, and ending with a final report by October 15, 2023, on the evaluation of the pilot program and legislative recommendations to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee. 

    Appropriates $1,442,560 in recurring funds for the 2017-18 fiscal year to DPI to support the implementation of the pilot program. Authorizes DPI to use up to $200,000 of the funds appropriated to contract with an independent organization for the pilot evaluations. Allows any remaining funds to be used to award funds to selected local administrative units for the implementation of the pilot programs in accordance with the act. 

    Effective July 1, 2017.