NC bill could require districts to offer summer school for struggling students

RALEIGH, N.C. — Students struggling with school this year could find themselves learning over the summer.

As many local students returned to the classroom this week, some also could be headed for summer school if a new bill passes through the North Carolina General Assembly.

The Summer Learning Choice for Families, also known as House Bill 82, would require school districts to offer six weeks of learning recovery and enrichment after the school year ends. Content Continues Below

The bill intends to “mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on at-risk students, and to require the implementation of innovative benchmark assessments.”

[ WSOC SPECIAL SECTION: Return to Learning ]

According to the bill, in-person instruction for students in kindergarten through third grade will focus on reading and math. Third-grade students also will focus on science instruction.

In-person instruction for students in fourth through eighth grade will focus on reading, math and science as well as at least one enrichment activity.

The bill directs local school districts to offer this and prioritize at-risk students. Those not identified as at-risk can also participate if there is space available. Channel 9 has learned that CMS is already working on a program similar to this.

>> Education reporter Elsa Gillis will be interviewing House Speaker Tim Moore, who is a sponsor of this bill, and will break down what families need to know about these programs on Eyewitness News at 5 p.m.

At this point, summer learning doesn’t appear to be mandatory. The legislature’s education committee votes on the bill Tuesday.

“If we can provide opportunities for them to catch up for them to get additional instruction, then that I think is positive,” said Gov, Roy Cooper, reacting to the legislation this week.

[ ALSO READ: Second rotation of CMS students return to classrooms Thursday for first time in months ]

Charlotte-Mecklenburg School students in Pre-K, elementary, K-8 schools, and some students with disabilities who need in-person services returned back to the classroom the week of Feb. 15 for the first time in months.

Middle and high school students in CMS returned to their hallways Monday for the first time in almost a year. Students will be on a hybrid plan, and if parents aren’t comfortable, their children can continue virtual learning.

Several other local school districts also are set to return to in-person learning.