Deletes subsections (a), (b), and (b1) from GS 20-88.1 (Driver education). Moves those deleted subsections to GS 115C-215 with changes as follows. Directs the State Superintendent of Public Instruction (Superintendent), in accordance with criteria and standards approved by the State Board of Education (SBE), to organize and administer a standardized driver education program to be offered at the public high schools of the state to students meeting age and additional specified requirements who are enrolled in a public or private school within the state (was, required a program of driver training and safety to be organized under the general supervision of the Superintendent). Directs the SBE to establish and implement a strategic plan for the driver education program. Specifies that the strategic plan must at minimum include goals and performance indicators and identifies those which must be addressed. Further amends GS 20-88.1 to clarify that the expenses incurred by the driver education program administered by DPI under GS 115C-215, as amended, are to be paid out of the Highway Fund. Makes conforming and technical changes to GS 20-88.1.
Amends GS 115C-216 to direct local boards of education to offer in high schools noncredit driver education courses that use the standardized curriculum provided by the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) (was, required the SBE and local boards of education to provide a course of training and instruction in the operation of motor vehicles in the state’s public high schools). Makes a conforming change.
Directs the SBE to report to the Joint Legislative Program Evaluation Oversight Committee by July 15, 2011, on the status of implementation of Section 7.12 of SL 2010-31, which mandates the creation of a standard curriculum to be used for the driver education program in DPI. Prohibits the use of state funds for the 2011-12 school year for driver education programs that do not use the standard driver education curriculum created in accordance with Section 7.12 of SL 2010-31.
Directs the SBE to establish a pilot program, consisting of at least five local school administrative units, to use electronic means to deliver driver education. Provides that funds appropriated for driver education are to be used to implement the pilot program. Requires the SBE to report by February 15, 2012, on the implementation of the pilot program to the Joint Education Oversight Committee and the Joint Legislative Program Evaluation Oversight Committee (Committees) and specifies that the report is to contain (1) the cost per student of the program and (2) the success rate of participants in receiving a driver’s license. Also directs the SBE to report by February 15, 2012, to the Committees on (1) the most cost-effective method of providing driver education and (2) the strategic plan adopted by the SBE in accordance with GS 115C-215, as amended.