H1043 - 2020 COVID-19 Recovery Act. (SL 2020-4)

Overview: Sec. 4.2D of S.L. 2020-4, as enacted by Sec. 1.1(e) of S.L. 2020-80, establishes a pilot program for the 2020-2021 school year to promote access to innovative digital and personalized learning solutions for high school students that bridge the gap between chemistry and physical science classes and career and technical education (CTE) career pathways. The pilot program will be administered by the Office of Science, Technology, and Innovation (the Office) in the Department of Commerce. Participating local school administrative units (LEAs) will use educational software developed by Plasma Games, Inc. in select classes and CTE programs to encourage student interest and workforce development for chemistry-dependent industries located in North Carolina. Participating LEAs must provide the Office with a plan for using Plasma Games, Inc.'s educational technology in its schools, which must include professional development and training for school personnel. LEAs must report to the Office by May 1, 2021, on the implementation of the pilot program, including:

• How the pilot program funds were used.
• The number of students impacted by the pilot program and the number of students pursuing STEM-related CTE career pathways as a result of the pilot program, measured by the number of students declaring interest in a career with a chemistry-dependent industry located in North Carolina and the number of students pursuing higher education in a chemistry-related major or technical certification at a school in North Carolina.
• Demand for and feedback by teachers on the use of the STEM-focused educational technology.
• Any other information requested by the Office.

The Office must report by June 1, 2021, to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee, the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources, and the Fiscal Research Division on the implementation of the pilot program and information reported by participating LEAs.

This section became effective July 1, 2020.