Louisiana House Bill HCR165

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/13/10
• Engrossed: 5/17/10
• Passed: 5/18/10

Caption

Requests the Board of Regents to study and make recommendations relative to including certain students in calculations for determining and for reporting on graduation and completion rates by public postsecondary education institutions

Impact

The resolution seeks to address a critical gap in the reporting of graduation rates by acknowledging that transfer students and part-time students are not currently counted in the federally defined graduation rates. By pushing for a more inclusive measurement, HCR165 aims to provide a more comprehensive overview of student success at public postsecondary institutions. This change could potentially lead to increased funding and support for educational institutions that effectively facilitate student transitions, enhancing the overall accountability in higher education.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 165 (HCR165) urges and requests the Louisiana Board of Regents, in consultation with public postsecondary education management boards, to conduct a study regarding the inclusion of students who graduate from an institution in calculations for determining and reporting graduation and completion rates. The resolution highlights the importance of recognizing all completers in postsecondary education as significant contributors to Louisiana's economy and society, regardless of the specific criteria established by the U.S. Department of Education for inclusion in graduation rate calculations.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HCR165 appears to be supportive, as it advocates for recognizing all students who complete postsecondary education, which aligns with broader goals of educational equity and access. Stakeholders in education often view this resolution as a positive step towards enhancing the accountability and recognition of diverse student achievements. However, there may be mixed feelings regarding the implementation details and how this data would be used going forward.

Contention

While there are generally positive views surrounding the intentions of HCR165, potential points of contention could arise concerning how the data from this proposed study would be utilized. Concerns may include the establishment of benchmarks or standards for inclusion and the impact on federal funding if reporting practices change. Additionally, there might be debates on ensuring that the focus on measuring graduation rates does not overshadow other important aspects of student success in education.