NC H653

Directs the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction to join and participate in the OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) using available fiscal year 2015-2016 funds.

Requires PISA administration to an independent sample of approximately 50 schools in North Carolina, testing 15-year-old students in reading, mathematics, and science during fall 2015-2016 school year.

Mandates the Department report PISA results to the 2016 Regular Session within 30 days of receiving them, including comparative data from other participating states and countries.

Modifies G.S. 115C-174.11(c)(2) to allow the State Board of Education to authorize additional testing for comparisons with international indicators of student achievement, not just national indicators.

Becomes effective upon enactment.