The General Assembly has been hard at work this week. Several committees have met to move forward on educational goals. A conference committee convened to address concerns around HB 13 Class Size Requirement Changes which decreased the maximum class size for children in K-3rd grades. The proposed solution is HB 90 which provides a phased in approach for this effort, while also providing funding for enhancement teachers and Pre-K education. These items are discussed at greater length below.  The House is to convene again on Monday, February 12, 2018 at 4:00 PM and the Senate is to convene Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at 10:00 AM.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on Thursday, February 8th and amended HB 90 to provide funds for program enhancement teachers (defined as dance, music, theater, and the visual arts; physical education and health programs; and world languages), self-contained exceptional children teachers, math, science, and computer teachers, and matching benefits. Program enhancements are for teachers in kindergarten through fifth grade, effective July 1, 2018.

This bill also eliminates the State's Pre-K waiting list by adding funding for approximately 3,000 additional Pre-K seats. In addition, the bill includes language stating schools in counties directly impacted by placement of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP) within their respective jurisdictions shall receive the benefit of any funds provided or gifted for the benefit of the State or the people of the State as a result of the ACP. This bill has been passed by the Senate and will likely be heard by the House early next week. 

Education Committee Meetings 

Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee

On Tuesday, February 6, the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee met. Main topics addressed are as follows:

• Schools that Lead: This presentation focused on research to inform best practice for improving student experience and outcomes. See this handout for details.
• Eastern North Carolina (ENC) STEM: Started in 2013, this program offers courses in  Science, Technology, Math, Leadership Development, and Team-Building. This handout highlights the attributes of ENC STEM. 

Committee on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (LRC)

Bill Hussey, NC Department of Public Instruction (DPI) Exceptional Children Division Director, presented to the Committee on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities on Tuesday, February 6. He clarified the definitions of intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities, and explained the programs DPI offers to cultivate and enrich the educational experience of these students. See this link for his presentation.

The Senate and House welcomed and celebrated the Aggies of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University on their undefeated 2017 football season and on their 2017 Celebration Bowl victory. The efforts of each and every member of the 2017 football team of N.C. A&T and their Head Coach Rod Broadway were commended on their accomplishments.

House and Senate Page Applications

The Page program is an incredible opportunity to meet students from across the state and get first-hand experience about state government. The first week for pages to serve during the 2018 Short Session will be May 21st through the last week of June. This program is highly competitive and requires a recommendation from a current representative.  See this link to find your members. Each Member is allotted a certain number of students he or she can sponsor each session. Appointments are made on a first-come, first-serve basis. House and Senate offices should be receiving page applications mid-February and will send them out to students interested in serving as a page.  Call or email your member of the House of Representatives or Senate to request an application.         

• For more information about the Senate Page program, please visit this page of the NCGA website or contact the Senate Page Coordinator, Michael Perdue, at 919-733-5702, or via email at Michael.Perdue@ncleg.net.   

• For more information about the House Page program, please visit this page of the NCGA website or contact the House Page Coordinator, Misty Greene, at 919-733-5701, or via email at Misty.Greene@ncleg.net.

See this link for a complete list of bills impacting K-12 education.