NC H902

Establishes a competitive grant program administered by the State Education Assistance Authority through a contract with a private nonprofit corporation to fund school principal preparation programs in North Carolina.

Eligible entities (for-profit/nonprofit organizations or higher education institutions) must demonstrate evidence-based plans for preparing school leaders linked to increased student achievement and must include rigorous recruitment, selection criteria, clinical practice of at least five months, and continuous program improvement.

Grants prioritize entities with records of improving student achievement, placing principals in high-need schools, and sharing lessons learned with other educational organizations.

Recipients must use grant funds for recruiting and selecting candidates, operating research-based preparation programs with field experience, and collecting data on implementation and outcomes; grants are limited to five years with possible renewal based on student achievement improvements.

By June 1, 2016, the State Board of Education shall adopt a specific licensure process for administrators completing grant-selected principal preparation programs, and by November 15, 2021, shall report to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee on any revisions to licensure requirements based on grant program outcomes.