NC Dyslexia Law · Statute

G.S. 115C-83.7A — Read to Achieve

Plain English summary

This law sets up summer reading camps for struggling readers and creates financial incentives for high-performing teachers to lead them. Local school districts must run camps with at least 72 hours of instruction taught by licensed teachers, and teachers who participate can earn signing bonuses of at least $1,200 and performance bonuses of at least $150 per student who reaches reading proficiency by camp's end. Teachers who earn a reading performance bonus and complete a full reading camp also get credit for two of their required literacy continuing education hours.

Key requirements

  • Reading camps must offer at least 72 hours of reading instruction (G.S. 115C-83.7A(a)(1))
  • Reading camps must be taught by compensated, licensed teachers selected based on demonstrated student outcomes in reading proficiency or improvement of reading difficulties (G.S. 115C-83.7A(a)(2))
  • Volunteer mentors may read with students only outside the 72 hours of formal instruction (G.S. 115C-83.7A(a)(3))
  • Reading camps must be provided as outlined in the local school administrative unit's literacy intervention plan (G.S. 115C-83.7A(a)(4))
  • Each local school administrative unit must provide a signing bonus of at least $1,200 to qualifying teachers who accept reading camp employment, are associated with high growth in reading based on EVAAS data, and were awarded a reading performance bonus by DPI (G.S. 115C-83.7A(b))
  • Each local school administrative unit must provide a per-student performance bonus of at least $150 for each assigned student not initially demonstrating reading proficiency who achieves reading proficiency on an alternative assessment at the end of the reading camp (G.S. 115C-83.7A(c))
  • Bonuses awarded under subsections (b) and (c) are not considered compensation under the Teachers' and State Employees' Retirement System, notwithstanding G.S. 135-1(7a) (G.S. 115C-83.7A(d))
  • A teacher who earned a reading performance bonus and completes a full reading camp shall be deemed to have completed two continuing education credits related to literacy required by G.S. 115C-270.30(b)(2) (G.S. 115C-83.7A(e))

Affected parties

  • Local school administrative units — must comply with camp structure and bonus payment requirements
  • Local boards of education — must determine specific bonus amounts at or above statutory minimums
  • Licensed teachers with high reading growth records — eligible for signing and performance bonuses
  • Third-grade students not demonstrating reading proficiency — primary beneficiaries of reading camp instruction
  • Volunteer mentors — may participate in a limited, non-instructional capacity
  • Department of Public Instruction — administers the reading performance bonus program referenced in eligibility criteria

Advocacy note

A teacher who earns a reading performance bonus and completes a full reading camp automatically receives credit for two of the literacy continuing education hours required under G.S. 115C-270.30(b)(2), meaning reading camp participation directly reduces a teacher's licensure renewal burden.

Official source

https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/PDF/BySection/Chapter_115C/GS_115C-83.7A.pdf