Summary
HB 23 (Open States or North Carolina Legislature) directs the State Board of Education to develop and implement digital competency standards as part of teacher preparation and licensure by the 2017-2018 school year. This bill recognizes that digital learning is an integral part of all 21st Century teaching and works to integrate it into mainstream teacher preparation.
Legislative Analysis
This bill recognizes that “digital learning environments are essential for equipping students with 21st Century skills and preparing them for success in both career and college.”
It celebrates the achievements of North Carolina local school administrative units (LEAs) in taking the lead to support teachers in integrating technology into the classroom and recognizes that some of these initiatives have resulted in remarkable student achievement.
It calls for LEAs to work together and states that it is “essential” that digital learning be implemented all classrooms in the state.
The bill charges the State Board of Education to develop and implement digital competency standards for educators. These standards will guide all schools of education on what the needed skills are to provide “high-quality, integrated digital learning.”
Beginning in 2017-2018, these standards, alongside professional development, must be included as part of initial licensure and license renewal for all teachers and school administrators.
With this bill, North Carolina takes an important step in formalizing digital learning as part of the core competencies and necessary training for all teachers and all classrooms. It will be critical that the State Board thoughtfully develop these competency standards and ensure that these are real, actionable and will provide meaningful measures for educators for years to come. Since there is a four year window between adopting the law in 2013, it will be critical that the next four years are well-used and the standards which emerge are truly integrated into all parts of teacher training and professional development.
Legislative History
Detailed Vote History: Legiscan | Open States
Approved by Governor Pat McCrory on 3/15/2013