NC S673

Establishes a 16-member Commission to Study the Implementation of a Structured English Immersion (SEI) Program in North Carolina public schools, with members appointed equally by the Speaker of the House and President Pro Tempore of the Senate.

Defines structured English immersion as an English language acquisition program where nearly all classroom instruction is in English with curriculum designed for language learners, using English-language materials and teaching all subjects in English with minimal native language use.

Requires the Commission to examine current ESL program performance data, SEI programs in Arizona, Massachusetts, and California, and implementation costs including administrative oversight, funding, teacher professional development, student identification, waivers, and assessment methods.

Authorizes Commission members to receive travel and subsistence allowances, obtain staff support from Legislative Services, subpoena witnesses, and request information from state agencies.

Requires the Commission to report findings and recommendations to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee by March 15, 2014, and the Commission terminates upon filing its final report.