NC S1247

Modifies criteria for awarding dropout prevention grants to prioritize counties with no current grant recipients when applications are of equal quality and merit.

Changes priority eligibility requirement from schools with 65% four-year cohort graduation rate to schools with either less than 60% graduation rate in most recent year and one of two prior years, or performance composite under 50%.

Requires grant proposals to demonstrate evidence-based programmatic elements that are effective and replicable, with the Committee on Dropout Prevention using evaluations from prior grant cycles to identify these elements.

Allocates up to $100,000 for fiscal year 2010-2011 to conduct a systematic study of high schools that significantly reduced dropout rates over three years to identify programs for replication and assess programs no longer receiving grants.

Effective July 1, 2010.