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RALEIGH – Debate has begun on a proposal aimed making some sweeping changes in North Carolina's educational system.

Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger is sponsoring the proposal, which would do everything from grading schools based on performance to setting additional standards for teacher licensure.

It would also make several changes to the current kindergarten through third grade literacy program, including a proposal to hold kids back in third grade if they are not reading at the level they are expected to.

“The goal is to have kids reading at grade level by the time they are in the fourth grade,” Berger said.

“That is something that the state tried in the 90s and it didn't work. The research is pretty clear on that. We believe there are other ways to hold schools accountable for progress on their literacy,” said Ann McColl, N.C. Public Instruction legislative liaison.

Senate leadership is planning to debate this bill in a two-hour meeting Tuesday.