NC H97

Requires the State Board of Education to modify graduation requirements to include one required credit in arts education for high school students in grades 6-12.

Implementation begins with students entering sixth grade in 2020, with a phased-in approach to be established by the State Board.

Includes an exemption for students transferring into North Carolina public schools in ninth grade or later if the requirement would prevent them from graduating with their assigned cohort.

Directs the State Board to establish minimum criteria to meet the arts education requirement and report to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee by December 15, 2020 on implementation of comprehensive arts education components.

Becomes effective upon enactment.