Change to Low-Performing Schools Designation.

SB 598 modifies North Carolina's criteria for identifying low-performing schools. It requires schools with an overall performance grade of D or F *and* a growth score of "met expected growth" or "not met expected growth" to be designated as low-performing. The bill also mandates that schools notify parents and guardians in writing within 30 days of this designation, explaining the performance grades and growth scores. This change applies to school designations based on 2025-2026 data. The bill focuses on clarifying identification standards and improving parental communication about school performance.