H259 - 2023 Appropriations Act. (SL 2023-134)

Overview: Section 7.55 of S.L. 2023-134 requires the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to use up to $2 million for each year of the 2023-2025 fiscal biennium to create a grant program for modernization of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programming, materials, training, and professional development in grades 6 through 12. A public school unit or regional partnership of more than one public unit can apply to receive grant funds, which must be used to procure and implement an online digital CTE learning platform that contains the following:

• Comprehensive courses with lesson plans, media-rich content and activities, and interactive assessments that align with North Carolina CTE standards.
• Modules that assist teachers in preparing students for high-wage, high-growth career areas.

By December 15, 2023, DPI must select approved providers of online digital CTE learning platforms that include the following components:

• Instructional strategies and guided lesson plans to assist teachers with classroom implementation and instructional differentiation.
• Media-based instructional content for providing demonstrations and instruction on skills required for applicable career areas.
• Multiple methods of delivery of instruction, including at least face-to-face, self-paced, and distance or hybrid learning.
• Guided projects and activities to incorporate hands-on application of skills.
• A focus on mastery-based learning.
• Reporting features to provide data on student progress.
• Guidance for students to obtain industry-recognized certifications.
• Career connections to provide examples of career opportunities following graduation from high school.

This section became effective July 1, 2023.