North Carolina schools could offer career learning and mastery-based courses

Public school units may work with eligible partners to offer high-tech or health science learning programs. Public school students may choose modular learning units in technology, engineering, health science, or related fields; programs must include work-based learning. The school unit must sign an agreement with its partner. A facilitator must verify successful completion before the school awards credit. Students may earn up to four credits, with no credit for learning units already completed for credit. State funding for facilitator positions depends on funds being made available. The provisions apply beginning with the 2026–2027 school year.

Public school units must adopt policies requiring principals to excuse students for private religious instruction during the school day. The policy covers students at public school units, including charter schools, who attend instruction offered by a private group during the school day. A parent or guardian must sign a consent form and provide proof of attendance for each day missed. Families must arrange transportation, and students must make up missed schoolwork. Schools may not use state or local funds to help students attend, except for small administrative costs. Instruction may not take place on school property unless a neutral facility-use policy allows it. Schools must excuse at least one hour, but principals may not approve more than four hours in one calendar week. The section applies beginning with the 2026–2027 school year.

The Department of Public Instruction must select 10 schools for grants to plan and start competency-based education programs. Public school units may apply for a grant for a school that will use student mastery, rather than time in class, to guide progress. Schools must apply, and the Department must prioritize applicants showing a strong commitment and readiness to make the shift. Each school receives a $330,000 grant. It must use $95,000 each school year for training; the rest supports the transition. Applications and planning take place in the 2026–2027 school year. Participating schools begin implementation in 2027–2028, and grant funds remain available through the 2029–2030 fiscal year.

Public school units that choose to participate may use state funds to contract with Khan Academy for its Khanmigo service. The program is for students in grades 6 through 12 and supports teachers with lesson planning and students with understanding lessons. Participating units must spend these funds on Khanmigo, related training, and an approved class rostering system. Each contract lasts one year. Units must evaluate use of the service before renewing for another school year and report their evaluation to the Department. Recurring funding begins in fiscal year 2026–2027.