Bill Summaries: S687 (2023-2024 Session)

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  • Summary date: Apr 13 2023 - View summary

    Establishes the SparkNC Pilot Program (Program) authorizing SparkNC, in partnership with selected public school units, to develop a nontraditional, student-driven pathway through which students may select and complete modular learning experiences that will provide a competency-based equivalency to a traditional elective course credit. Requires providing a menu of modular learning experiences that include opportunities for work-based learning. Requires the credit to be reflected on transcripts as High-Tech Learning Accelerator and focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Requires a memorandum of understanding between partner schools and SparkNC for program requirements that include providing a physical learning lab staffed by a learning lab facilitator that will provide a site for collaborative learning and virtual networking. Gives elective credit to any student completing a combination of modules determined to provide the competency-based elective credit in that course upon verification of successful completion of the learning experiences and integrity of student work products. 

    Sets out additional requirements for the Program related to qualifications of the learning lab facilitator, contracting with personnel, scheduling, and salary. Deems completion of the credit as satisfying a required course in computer science.

    Lists 18 public school units that may participate in the Program in 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years. For the 2024-25 school year, allows SparkNC to select up to 10 additional public school units to participate in the Program.

    Requires a interim report on the specified items in 2025 and a final report in 2026, to the specified NCGA committee.

    Applies for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years.