AN ACT to Extend learning opportunities to include alternative educational opportunities for elective course credit.

Whereas, students are involved in many programs outside of the traditional classroom and these programs have educational value; and

Whereas, many entities, including, but not limited to, nonprofits, after‑school programs, businesses, and trade associations, may have an interest in offering programs outside of the traditional classroom that are attractive to students and contain educational value; and

Whereas, learning opportunities that are designed to address the interests and aptitudes of each student have the potential to allow every kid to discover, develop, and apply their talents to realize their full potential; and

Whereas, there exist policies that multiply educational opportunities outside of the traditional classroom in other states; and

Whereas, providing credit for alternative educational opportunities will enrich the learning environment of students and develop well‑rounded individuals ready for a life of learning, productive work, and community involvement; Now, therefore,

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  G.S. 115C‑47 is amended by adding a new subdivision to read:

(34b)  To Adopt Expanded Learning Opportunity Policies. – Each local board of education shall have the power to adopt a policy to expand learning opportunities that allows approved alternative educational opportunities outside of the traditional classroom to qualify as elective course credit based on the model policy developed by the State Board pursuant to subsection (a) of G.S. 115C‑104.10. The policy adopted by the local board shall include the following:

a.         A list of entities eligible to submit proposals for alternative educational opportunities that shall qualify as elective course credit. These entities include, but are not limited to, the following:

1.         Nonprofit organizations.

2.         Businesses located in the State.

3.         Trade associations.

b.         An application process for eligible entities to submit proposals for alternative educational opportunities that shall qualify for elective course credit. The local board shall have the authority to approve or deny an application for an alternative educational opportunity. If the application is denied, the local board shall provide a detailed explanation of the reasons for its denial and suggest ways to improve the application for approval by the local board.

c.         The criteria that will be used to evaluate the alternative educational opportunity.

d.         A requirement that for a program to be approved, it must align with content standards already in existence for elective courses or be linked to a CTE program, a STEM program, an agricultural program, or programs specifically discussing North Carolina cultural history.

e.         Any requirements that a selected entity shall follow if the entity is approved to provide an alternative educational opportunity that qualifies as elective course credit, including any requirements for instructional personnel and instructional standards. The local board shall have the authority to audit approved alternative educational programs at any time. If the audit results in findings that an approved program is not meeting the requirements created pursuant to this sub‑subdivision or the policy created pursuant to this subdivision, then the local board may disqualify the program immediately.

SECTION 2.  Article 8 of Chapter 115C of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new Part to read:

Part 6. Expanded Learning Opportunities.

§ 115C‑104.10.  Expanded learning opportunity policy.

The State Board of Education shall develop a model policy to expand learning opportunities that allows approved alternative educational opportunities outside of the traditional classroom to qualify as elective course credit. Local boards of education shall have the power to adopt local policies based on the model policy provided by the State Board. The model policy shall include at least the following:

(1)        A list of types of entities eligible to submit proposals for alternative educational opportunities that shall qualify as elective course credit. These types of entities include, but are not limited to, the following:

a.         Nonprofit organizations.

b.         Businesses located in the State.

c.         Trade associations.

(2)        An example application process for eligible entities to submit proposals for alternative educational opportunities that shall qualify for elective course credit.

(3)        Example criteria that may be used to evaluate the alternative educational opportunity.

(4)        A requirement that for a program to be approved, it must align with content standards already in existence for elective courses or be linked to a CTE program, a STEM program, an agricultural program, or programs specifically discussing North Carolina cultural history.

(5)        Suggested requirements that a selected entity shall follow if the entity is approved to provide an alternative educational opportunity that qualifies as elective course credit, including any requirements for instructional personnel and instructional standards.

SECTION 3.  The State Board shall create the model policy pursuant to Section 2 of this act and make it available to local boards of education by December 15, 2022.

SECTION 4.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Public Instruction the sum of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) in nonrecurring funds for the 2022‑2023 fiscal year for administrative costs to implement this act.

SECTION 5.  This act is effective when it becomes law.