NC H1129

Appropriates $2.1 million in recurring funds for 2020-2021: $1.5 million for the Advanced Teaching Roles Program and $600,000 for a new Office of Equity Oversight.

Establishes an Advanced Teaching Roles Program allowing highly effective teachers to earn salary supplements up to 30% of state salary schedule for assuming lead teaching roles, with selection based on demonstrated effectiveness and additional responsibilities.

Creates an Opportunity Gap Task Force with 14 members to study disparities in academic performance across student subgroups and propose a plan to reduce gaps by July 1, 2031.

Establishes the Office of Equity Oversight within the Department of Public Instruction to monitor compliance with sound basic education standards, led by a Deputy Superintendent reporting jointly to the Superintendent and State Board of Education.

Modifies school accountability scoring to weight achievement at 51% and growth at 49% (previously 80%-20%), allows school calendars to align with community colleges, and abolishes the Opportunity Scholarship Grant Program effective July 1, 2021.