NC S597

Expands the Dropout Prevention and Recovery Pilot Program to include Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, two additional local school administrative units, and four charter schools (at least one in Mecklenburg County), replacing the original three-year limitation.

Requires participating schools to be accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and mandates support services including social workers and crisis intervention professionals to help at-risk students remove barriers to graduation.

Establishes an alternative student performance accountability method for pilot schools that measures academic growth only for students continuously enrolled for 120 days using pre-testing and post-testing, with performance scores reflecting only those continuously enrolled students.

Authorizes flexible attendance requirements for pilot program participants due to flexible scheduling and online components, and allows additional per pupil funding to units with at least 30% higher average daily membership than the first month.

Requires the State Board of Education to report to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee on implementation and the alternative accountability method by March 15, 2014, with the act effective July 1, 2013.