NC H1876

Modifies geographic distribution criteria for dropout prevention grants by giving priority to counties with no current grant recipients when applications are of equal quality and merit.

Lowers the graduation rate threshold for priority funding from 65% to 60%, and requires schools to meet this threshold in the most recent school year and one of two prior years, or have a performance composite under 50%.

Requires the Committee on Dropout Prevention to prioritize grant proposals that contain multiple evidence-based programmatic elements identified through evaluations from prior grant cycles.

Allocates up to $100,000 in fiscal year 2010-2011 to conduct a systematic study of high schools that significantly reduced dropout rates to identify replicable programs, including assessment of previously funded programs no longer receiving grants.

Becomes effective July 1, 2010.