Bill > H596

This bill establishes the Standard Course of Study (SCOS) Advisory Commission, a new 19-member body designed to recommend academic standards to the North Carolina State Board of Education. The Commission will include representatives from public schools (superintendents, principals, teachers, and parents), business community members, state educational leaders, and at-large appointees selected by the General Assembly and Governor. Members will serve four-year terms, with no individual serving more than eight consecutive years, and will be chosen to reflect the state's racial, geographic, and gender diversity. The Commission's primary responsibilities include developing and recommending the standard course of study in core academic areas like reading, writing, mathematics, science, history, geography, and civics, creating support materials for teachers and parents, and providing recommendations on aligning state educational programs. The State Board of Education must either adopt the Commission's recommendations without substantive changes or provide specific reasons for rejection, with a process for the Commission to amend and resubmit recommendations. The bill also requires the Commission to submit an annual report to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee and establishes a legislative review process for any changes to the standard course of study, giving the General Assembly an opportunity to disapprove proposed modifications before they are implemented.

Government Affairs

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H596