NC S483

Requires nonpublic schools accepting scholarship grant students to administer one of four specified nationally normed standardized tests annually to eligible students in grades 3 and higher (Iowa Test of Basic Skills, California Achievement Test, Stanford Achievement Test, or Terra Nova Plus).

Tests must measure achievement in English grammar, reading, spelling, and mathematics, with results submitted to the Authority by July 15 each year and kept confidential as non-public records.

Schools enrolling more than 10 scholarship grant students (previously 25) must report aggregate standardized test performance data to the Authority, which becomes a public record when personally identifiable information is removed.

Requires nonpublic schools to provide parents annual written explanations of student progress including standardized test scores, graduation rates, and prohibition of additional fees for scholarship grant recipients.

Schools failing to comply with these requirements become ineligible for future scholarship grants, though they may appeal for reconsideration after one year; effective for the 2017-2018 school year.