McInnis, Goodman, Pierce all support the new law
Staff report
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RALEIGH — A bill allowing North Carolina public schools to continue receiving A-F school performance grades based on a 15-point scale was signed into law this past week.
House Bill 358 will provide a consistent benchmark for student achievement for state schools. Sen. Tom McInnis (R-Richmond) sponsored an identical bill in the Senate.
“I am very pleased to have been a part of this important legislation, which will bring certainty to the grading process for two more years,” McInnis said in a news release. “This will also guarantee three years of consistent data where we can continue to identify this schools that need additional assistance.”
Sen. Tom McInnis
In 2012, the General Assembly passed a new initiative allowing public schools to be graded A-F – just like students – to increase transparency and clarity for parents, administrators and the surrounding community. Last year, lawmakers responded to feedback from school officials by changing the grading scale from a 10-point to a 15-point system. House Bill 358 extends the 15-point scale for an additional year.
The extension of this system will ensure that we continue to identify and support struggling schools, as well as recognize high performers.
HB 358 passed 115-1 in the House, with Rep. Ken Goodman and Rep. Garland Pierce both in favor of the bill. the only dissenting vote cast by Rep. Michael Speciale, a Republican from District 3.
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