NC H230

Clarifies that the State Board of Education shall provide and approve alternative reading assessments for third-grade students, establish achievement level ranges, and annually review assessments for validity and reliability.

Modifies reading portfolio requirements to begin during the first half of the school year and allows a single piece of evidence to demonstrate mastery of up to two standards.

Changes "summer reading camp" definition to "reading camp" and establishes it as an at least 72-hour program over no less than three weeks, with parents making final decisions on attendance.

Expands exemptions from third-grade retention for students with disabilities to include those using NCEXTEND1 alternate assessment, demonstrating two-year educational delays, or receiving intensive reading interventions for two school years.

Adjusts school performance grade calculation to use composite weighting based on student enrollment numbers and allows schools meeting expected growth to use achievement score alone if growth score reduces their grade; establishes temporary adjusted grade scale for 2013-2014 school year only.