Requires public high school students to perform community service as a prerequisite for graduation (OR SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)
Impact
If enacted, HB 525 is likely to have significant implications for public education laws in Louisiana. It will require the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) to establish rules and guidelines necessary for the implementation of community service requirements. Additionally, local school boards will be mandated to adhere to these guidelines, which could lead to variations in how community service is incorporated into curricula across different districts.
Summary
House Bill 525 mandates that public high school students in Louisiana complete a specified number of community service hours as a prerequisite for graduation. The bill establishes a progressive requirement starting from 10 hours for students graduating in the 2012-2013 school year and increasing to 40 hours for those graduating in the 2015-2016 school year and beyond. This initiative aims to foster civic engagement among students by encouraging participation in community service activities as a part of their educational journey.
Sentiment
The general sentiment around HB 525 appears to be mixed. Proponents of the bill argue that it will enhance students' sense of responsibility and connection to their communities, ultimately promoting social responsibility among the youth. However, there are concerns from opponents who worry that mandatory community service could place an additional burden on students and families, particularly for those already facing financial or personal challenges. This discourse highlights a tension between the benefits of civic engagement and the potential challenges posed by mandated requirements.
Contention
A notable point of contention regarding HB 525 is the balancing act between educational enhancement and the potential burdens placed on students. Critics have raised questions about the logistics of implementing such a requirement, including how students would access community service opportunities and how schools would monitor completion. There is also a fear that the bill could inadvertently disadvantage students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds who may find it more difficult to fulfill these requirements, thereby affecting equity in education.
Requires the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) to adopt rules requiring high school students to complete at least one course offered by a BESE-authorized online or virtual course provider as a prerequisite to graduation (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Eliminates provisions relative to LEAP, iLeap, end of course testing, and the graduation exit exam for students in public schools (OR SEE FISC NOTE EX)
Requires students to attain a minimum ACT score set by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education as a prerequisite to high school graduation and prohibits state-administered end-of-course assessments for high school students (OR -$4,300,000 GF EX See Note)