Louisiana House Bill HB901

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/12
• Refer: 3/12/12

Caption

Permits parents of public school students to opt out of certain LEAP tests

Impact

If passed, HB 901 would explicitly prohibit schools and school districts from imposing penalties on students whose parents choose not to allow their participation in state assessments. This includes not allowing students to suffer consequences such as withholding credits for graduation or denying access to extracurricular activities. The law aims to ensure that educational institutions do not adversely impact students for choices made by their parents in the interest of their children's education.

Summary

House Bill 901 seeks to empower parents of public school students in Louisiana by allowing them to opt out of certain LEAP (Louisiana Educational Assessment Program) tests. This legislation aims to reinforce parental authority in educational decisions, recognizing that parents have the fundamental right to direct their children's education. The bill is rooted in various United States Supreme Court decisions that emphasize parental rights regarding upbringing and education, and expresses the view that schools should not face accountability issues based on parental decisions regarding participation in assessments.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 901 reflects a strong alignment with parental rights advocates, who support the notion that parents should have control over their children's educational experiences, free from undue state interference. Supporters view this bill favorably, suggesting it serves to reaffirm and enhance parental authority within the public education system. However, there may be concerns from some educational stakeholders about the implications of such a shift, particularly regarding student accountability and educational standards.

Contention

While the bill is largely presented as a means of protecting parental rights, some discussions may arise regarding its potential consequences for the overall accountability of public schools. Critics could argue that allowing students to opt out of assessments may lead to gaps in educational data, thereby affecting the evaluation of school performance and hindering efforts to provide adequate resources where needed. The bill encapsulates a broader debate on the balance between parental authority and educational accountability.