NC H953

Expresses General Assembly support for Lincoln County schools to extend the school day minimally to accommodate multiple shorter recess periods instead of one longer recess period.

Authorizes the Lincoln County Board of Education and charter schools in Lincoln County to use existing flexibility under state law (G.S. 115C-84.2 and Article 14A of Chapter 115C) to restructure their school day for this purpose.

Cites research showing elementary students learn better with recess periods and references a school that improved test scores by providing four 15-minute recess periods to first graders.

Notes that Lincoln Charter School fourth grade students have requested extending the school day by 10 minutes to have two 20-minute recess periods instead of one 30-minute period.

Applies only to Lincoln County and is effective when signed into law.