School Safety Grants Update
School Resource Officer Year 2 awards have been issued. If you received funding for the 2024-2025 fiscal year for SROs, then you received the Year 2 award via paper check or electronic deposit. This is designated for the hiring and training of SROs for middle and elementary schools.
The School Safety Grant carry-forward money has also been issued but was mislabeled on the check as SRO grant funding. This funding is available for use until June 2027. Please keep in mind that there is not a School Safety Grant application open at this time.
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CFSS Training Calendar
Public Comment is Now Open for Proposed Changes to NC English Learner Program Rules
Public Comment Period is Now Open
The North Carolina State Board of Education is proposing significant updates to the rules governing Limited English Proficiency Programs (16 NCAC 06D.0106). These changes would modernize how our public schools identify, serve, and support students who are learning English.
What's Changing? The proposed rule updates terminology and processes throughout, replacing "Limited English Proficient" with "English Learner" and streamlining requirements. Here are the key changes:
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Updates the use of WIDA Assessments to identify and monitor English learners
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Includes the scoring thresholds established for program entry
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Reflects current ESSA guidelines
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Ensures English learners can access special education, gifted programs, and other services
Why This Matters: These changes would affect how schools across North Carolina serve thousands of English learner students and communicate with their families. The updated rules aim to create more consistent, transparent practices statewide while ensuring students receive appropriate support.
Who Should Comment?
This affects many stakeholders, including
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Parents and families of English learners
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Teachers and school administrators
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ESL/ML specialists and program coordinators
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Special education professionals
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Community organizations serving immigrant families
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Anyone interested in educational equity
The State Board of Education will accept written comments on the proposed rules via mail and email until April 6, 2026. You can email Dr. Stacy Daniel, Section Chief for ELA & Languages
English Language Arts and Languages at stacy.daniel@dpi.nc.gov. Mail can be sent to:
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
6301 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-6301
Updated Computer Science Course Lists for SY26-27
Pursuant to G.S. 115C-12(9d), the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction has published updated Computer Science Middle School Elective Offering and High School Graduation Requirement course lists. The updated high school course list adds ten new course options, and the updated middle school course list adds three new middle school elective options along with four additional high school courses that can be taught in middle school. Completion of any course identified on the approved High School Courses Eligible for Middle School list will satisfy both the CS middle school course elective offering and high school graduation requirement.
Pursuant to G.S. 115C-12(9d), Local Implementation Delay Waiver Requests were available only for 2024–2025 and 2025–2026; no waivers are permitted for full implementation beginning in 2026–2027.
Link: NCDPI Computer Science Graduation Requirement
Sign Up for the NC Department of Natural & Cultural Resources (DNCR) Learning Happens Here E-News
Education has long been a cornerstone of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR). For over 50 years, DNCR has sparked curiosity and a lifelong love of learning through a vibrant network of over 100 museums, state parks, historic sites, aquariums, libraries, archives, the zoo, the symphony, and cultural programs across North Carolina. More than just great field trip destinations, DNCR’s Learning Happens Here initiative provides high-quality professional development, classroom resources, and support for K-12 teachers and students in all 100 counties.
Be the first to receive amazing opportunities by signing up to receive DNCR’s monthly Learning Happens Here E-Newsletter, which includes FREE, high-quality professional development opportunities, classroom resources, field trip ideas and funding, best practices from teachers around the state, and curated opportunities from partner organizations. You can read our January issue HERE and click here to sign up to receive this monthly cornucopia of teacher support!
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Join the North Carolina Department of Natural & Cultural Resources (DNCR) for a special virtual event:
Teaching the Legacy of Sarah Keys Evans
Thursday, February 19 | 5:30–6:30 PM | Zoom
All attending North Carolina teachers will receive a FREE copy of DNCR’s book for young adults, "Sarah Keys Evans: The Power of Quiet Courage," written by Amy Nathan and illustrated by Jermaine Powell, mailed to you after the event!
Join DNCR to learn about a less-known North Carolina trailblazer, Sarah Keys Evans. In 1952, as a young Black Army private returning home to Washington, NC, she refused to give up her seat on an interstate bus stopped in Roanoke Rapids, NC, leading to a landmark case that helped end segregation in interstate travel. Her courageous stand (three years before Rosa Parks) helped pave the way for civil rights.
Her story is powerful, deeply North Carolina, and belongs in every classroom.
Moderated by Christie Norris, Director of Education for DNCR, author Amy Nathan will discuss why the legacy of Mrs. Keys Evans matters so much and how you can bring this inspiring history to your students. Alex Brown, Director of Programs and Audience Engagement for DNCR’s NC Museum of Art - Winston Salem will also share strategies for using the book’s stunning art in your classroom. A lesson plan will be provided, and 0.1 CEUs are available upon request.
👉 Details & registration HERE. (Registration closes on Feb. 18 at 4 pm.)
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Join the NC Department of Natural & Cultural Resources (DNCR) for a FREE, Immersive Teacher Workshop:
RIVERS AND RESISTANCE: FREEDOM SEEKING IN EASTERN NC
Friday, April 10–Sunday, April 12 (with a Virtual Kick-Off on March 26)
Middle and high school teachers of all disciplines are invited to an immersive, cross-disciplinary weekend exploring how enslaved people carved pathways to liberation through North Carolina’s waterways, swamps and landscapes. Discover powerful stories of resilience and resistance through tours, discussions and hands-on activities that integrate science, nature, history, and culture.
Earn 2.0 CEUs in this new pilot (and FREE) experience offered by DNCR, in partnership with Carolina K-12. This place-based learning opportunity includes:
🌟 Private tours of DNCR's Historic Edenton & Somerset Place
🌟 Guided canoe tour on the Cashie River led by staff at DNCR's North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
🌟 Private performance of spiritual and freedom songs by Mary D. Williams
🌟 Foodways workshop and lunch with award-winning Chef Adé Carrena
🌟 Keynote by Antwain K. Hunter
🌟 2.0 CEUs, lodging & a $100 stipend
Space is limited. Application deadline is February 22. Details, agenda & application at www.dncr.nc.gov/RiversandResistance.
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Applications are NOW OPEN for the North Carolina Department of Natural & Cultural Resources (DNCR) Teacher Ambassadors Program!
K-12 teachers, this is your chance to:
- Explore the incredible sites & programs all over NC managed by DNCR, including, museums, state parks, aquariums, the zoo, the symphony, historic sites, and more!
- Enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences alongside a cohort of other passionate educators from across the state
- Receive a $1000 stipend and 10+ CEU credits
- Connect with a network of DNCR staff who value, appreciate and believe in the importance of what you do as professionals.
- Fuse history, arts, culture, science, nature, and education in powerful new ways and bring these experiences back to your classroom!
👉 Learn More & Apply by March 1st at www.dncr.nc.gov/learning-happens-here-teacher-ambassadors
About DNCR
Education has long been a cornerstone of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR). For over 50 years, DNCR has sparked curiosity and a lifelong love of learning through a vibrant network of over 100 museums, state parks, historic sites, aquariums, libraries, archives, the zoo, the symphony, and cultural programs. More than just providing field trip destinations, DNCR’s Learning Happens Here initiative, managed by the Office of K-12 Education & Outreach, provides high-quality professional development, classroom resources, and support for K-12 teachers and students in all 100 counties. Learn more at www.dncr.nc.gov/learninghappenshere.
Questions?
Reach out to Christie Norris, Director of Education at DNCR – christie.norris@dncr.nc.gov
Spring 2026 Medicaid in Education [MiE] Cohort
Developing efficient, effective Medicaid cost recovery programs requires foundational knowledge and collaborative effort. These cohorts will support PSU efforts to develop or improve their Medicaid cost recovery efforts. Best results are achieved when a full PSU team participates! Recognizing we all have competing priorities, PSU teams can ensure all content is received, adapted, and applied to local circumstances, procedures, and organizational structure.
This flexible, inclusive, virtual cohort will complete the on-demand Medicaid in Education course with a focus on FFS; however, all Medicaid programs are covered.
Participants will:
- Complete the assigned module and profile rating
- Meet virtually to clarify concepts, answer questions, and
- Collaborate for implementation, establishing PSU practices, and procedures
The Spring 2026 Medicaid in Education [MiE] Cohort will run from March 24th through May 7th on Thursday afternoons.
- 'Just Getting Started in Medicaid' sessions will be offered on March 24th or 26th.
- MiE Cohort orientation sessions will be provided March 31st or April 2nd. Please follow this link to the schedule for the Spring 2026 Cohort
- All (individuals, dyads, small groups) are welcome to participate in MiE cohorts but most effective change occurs with collaborative teams and full PSU Medicaid teams are strongly encouraged
- Suggested PSU (district or charter) team members:
- EC Administrators- Directors, Coordinators
- School Business or Finance officers
- Administrators who will be a point of contact the Medicaid program (central office, finance, EC)
- Related service providers
- Personnel involved with MAC or RMTS
- Any interested parties or personnel assigned to Medicaid program management
- Participants can and should vary from module to module, the schedule includes suggested team participants for each meeting
- Time will be allocated for questions and implementation work
You/Your PSU (district, state, or charter school) team can register here- https://go.ncdpi.gov/Spring26MiECohort for:
- Just Getting Started in Medicaid sessions
- MiE Spring26 Cohort
- Both or
- Indicate need for follow up technical assistance for Medicaid cost recovery
If you have any questions or would like to set up time with me for your PSU, team, or personnel, give me a call at 919) 636-1827.
Thank you for your interest!
Wishing you a peaceful and healthy 2026,
Laurie Ray
Consultant for Physical Therapy & Medicaid
Supporting Teaching and Related Services
Office of Exceptional Children
NC Department of Public Instruction
M: (919) 636-1827
laurie.ray@dpi.nc.gov
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Looking for Literacy Professional Development? Need to earn CEUs?
NEW! During the 2025-2026 school year the Office of Early Learning is offering a virtual Literacy for Educators webinar series focused on content aligned to the science of reading for charter and lab schools.
These sessions are open to All educators, coaches, and administrators.
Each monthly session will be held from 3:30 pm-4:30 pm.
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RISE 2026 Registration
Registration is now open for the 2026 RISE Back to School Safety Summit! The Center for Safer Schools' largest event will be held from Tuesday, August 4 to Thursday, August 6 at the Greenville Convention Center in Greenville, N.C.
Join us for sessions including bullying prevention, suicide prevention, critical incidents and threat assessment. We will use the Whova app for scheduling and to engage with attendees leading up to RISE.
Check the Center for Safer Schools newsletter and social media for more details over the coming months. If you have questions, send an email to CFSS@cfssnc.gov. 
SAVE THE DATE! Office of Advanced Learning & College Board NC AP Partnership Conference for NC Charter School Leaders
Charter school leaders serving high schools and their feeder middle school leaders across North Carolina are invited to attend the NC AP Conference for Charter School Leaders, a dynamic, collaborative event focused on strengthening advanced learning pathways for secondary students statewide. Participants will engage in sessions that explore strategies to expand Advanced Placement (AP) opportunities, increase student success, and lead efforts to prepare every student for college, career, and life after high school.
This message is being sent to charter school AP Coordinators and designated high school–level Principals who have completed the Participation Form in the AP Registration and Ordering system.
Conference Focus Areas:
- Leading in AP Success – Proven strategies to increase participation and performance in Advanced Placement programs as a foundation for college and career readiness.
- The Future of AP – Insights into upcoming innovations and resources that will shape AP and better prepare students for tomorrow’s opportunities.
- Opening Student Pathways to AP – Practical approaches to removing barriers and ensuring all students have access to advanced coursework that supports their postsecondary goals.
This engaging conference will equip high school charter school leaders and their feeder middle school leaders with practical strategies to expand access to advanced learning opportunities, strengthen college and career readiness, and drive meaningful, sustainable change for all students. The conference experience will be most effective when schools attend with a team focused on secondary education.
Who:
Each charter school is invited to send up to four (4) school leaders. We recommend considering the following roles, prioritizing high school leadership first, followed by feeder middle school leadership:
- Executive Director / Superintendent / Head of School
- High School Principal
- Feeder Middle School Principal
- Leader of Advanced Placement (AP) Programs
- Leader of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs
- Lead High School Counselor/Student Services Lead
- Feeder Lead Middle School Counselor
- Leader of College and Career Readiness
- Leader of Accountability and Assessment
Note: This event is intended for school-level leadership only. It is not designed for teachers. If you would like to bring more than four leaders to the conference, please reach out to Michelle Lourcey.Event Details:
· Dates
Thursday, February 26, 2026: 10 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday, February 27, 2026: 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM
· Hotel
Optional overnight stay on February 26, 2026, provided at no cost if requested during registration. If your commute to the event exceeds three hours, please adjust your check-in date to Wednesday, February 25, 2026, when you register. This additional night may be provided based on availability and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The hotel will be booked directly by College Board—please do not reserve rooms independently. All hotel rooms will be single occupancy.
· Location
Embassy Suites by Hilton Raleigh Durham Research Triangle
201 Harrison Oaks Boulevard Cary, NC 27513
Website: hilton.com/en/hotels/rduapes-embassy-suites-raleigh-durham-research-triangle/
Free parking available at the hotel.
· Travel Reimbursement
Travel reimbursements of $100 per person are available to cover travel expenses and Thursday night's dinner.
· Meals Provided
Thursday, February 26, 2026: Lunch and snacks (dinner on your own)
Friday, February 27, 2026: Breakfast, lunch, and snacks
Registration will open on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 (another email will be sent to you at that time) and will close when the conference is full or on February 3, 2026, whichever comes first.
For any questions, please contact Michelle Lourcey at mlourcey@collegeboard.org.
Important DHHS Resources for Charter Schools
Please click on each link and read thoroughly.
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