CTE has contracted with Pam Taylor to serve as CTE Regional Coordinator for Charter Schools. Any Charter questions on CTE can be directed to her.
Her email is Pam.Taylor@dpi.nc.gov
Read the July CAO Connect Bulletin!
The July CAO Connect Bulletin is here—your monthly touchpoint to stay aligned, informed, and connected as we prepare for the start of a new school year. This edition highlights key State Board actions, upcoming learning opportunities, and important planning reminders designed to support your work and strengthen instructional leadership across North Carolina.
In this issue, we're featuring:
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Key updates from the July State Board of Education meeting, including approval of the 2027–2028 Career and Technical Education (CTE) Course Inventory and the 2026–2027 Comprehensive Plan for Reading Achievement (CPRA).
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A preview of our July 16 CAO Connect convening, where we'll explore Nathan Levenson's Six Shifts with a focus on strengthening high-quality Tier I core instruction through a "Learn It Today. Lead It Tomorrow." leadership experience.
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Upcoming leadership and professional learning opportunities, including the CAO Connect Advisory, 2026 NCCAT Curriculum Leaders Conference, and ELA Standard Course of Study implementation supports.
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Important planning reminders for the upcoming school year, including Parents' Bill of Rights reporting, the FY27 Consolidated Application, Social Studies Standards Review, NCVPS updates, and other statewide resources.
As always, thank you for your continued partnership and leadership. As we close another successful year of CAO Connect and prepare for the year ahead, your collaboration continues to strengthen our statewide network and advance opportunities for students across North Carolina.
Stacey Wilson-Norman, Ed.D.
Chief Academic Officer
Office of the State Superintendent
NC Department of Public Instruction
stacey.wilson-norman@dpi.nc.gov
CFSS Student Advisory Council
The Center for Safer Schools Student Advisory Council is accepting applications from current eighth- and 10th-grade students who want to make a difference in school safety.
Council members work alongside education leaders to share student perspectives, address school safety concerns and help create positive change in schools across North Carolina.
We encourage students who are passionate about mental health, bullying prevention, school climate or student leadership to apply and make their voice heard. We are especially seeking applicants from the Northwest, Piedmont-Triad, Northeast, Southeast and Sandhills regions.
If you have questions, send an email to cking@cfssnc.gov.
Save the Date: 2026 ELA SCOS Implementation PD
We are excited to share that the NCDPI ELA Team will be hosting a virtual Initial Implementation Professional Development session for Charter Schools on July 21 focused on the newly adopted 2026 ELA Standard Course of Study.
This session will provide important information and support to help leaders and educators begin preparing for implementation of the new standards. During the session, participants will:
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Gain insight into the context behind the development of the 2026 SCOS
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Deepen their understanding of the 2026 ELA SCOS
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Collaboratively explore 2026 SCOS-aligned resources
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Identify necessary next steps to move toward implementation in 27-28 SY
Please save the date and plan to join us virtually on July 21. Additional details, including the session time and registration information, will be shared soon through our social media channels ( Facebook & Instagram) and listserv. We look forward to learning alongside you and supporting Charter Schools in this important work.
 2026-2027 NCED Connect Opt-In Process
NCED Connect Opt-In is underway!
Districts and charter schools must complete the NCED Connect Opt-in process annually in order to maintain access to these statewide digital tools and services.
The Opt-In deadline is July 31, 2026.
Included at no cost:
• IAM
• Infinite Campus
• NCEES (Evaluation Component)
• #GoOpenNC
• EBSCO
• Britannica
Opt-In Components ($1.50/ADM-Based Cost):
• Schoolnet
• NCEES (Local Professional Development Office Component)
Additional Components (ADM-Based Cost):
• PRoPL (formerly Transcend)
• NAVVY
Convenience Contracts:
• Canvas
All communication about Opt-in will be shared with Tech Directors. Opt-in must be made by CFO, Charter Principal, or Superintendent (designee).
K-12 Social Studies Standards Review
As part of the North Carolina Social Studies Standards Review and Revision process, the K–12 Social Studies team in the Office of Teaching and Learning is seeking meaningful feedback from educators and stakeholders across the state. Your expertise and perspective are valuable in helping ensure that the Social Studies Standard Course of Study continues to meet the needs of North Carolina students and reflects high-quality, relevant instruction.
The information below provides important details regarding the purpose of this stakeholder input opportunity and how feedback will be used throughout the revision process.
State Board of Education policy specifies that the NC Department of Public Instruction will formally collect feedback on the current standards from educators, administrators, parents, students, institutions of higher education, business/industry representatives, national organizations, and other education agencies. The purpose of this survey is to obtain input from educators and stakeholders familiar with the Social Studies Standard Course of Study in order to inform revision decisions, which may include changes, clarifications, additions, deletions, or replacements to the current standards and objectives.
The Social Studies team in the Office of Teaching and Learning requests your thoughtful input and comments on the current academic standards and objectives for Social Studies to inform the review and revision process.
Any individual who wishes to provide input on the Social Studies Standard Course of Study (SCOS) is encouraged to complete this survey by August 1, 2026. The survey is estimated to take approximately 10–20 minutes to complete, depending on the grade level selected for review, and should be completed in one sitting. If you would like to provide feedback on more than one grade or course, you will be able to submit additional surveys by clicking on the link that will be provided after the submission of each completed survey.
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
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