HLS 12RS-1181 ORIGINAL
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Regular Session, 2012
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 95
BY REPRESENTATIVE HAZEL
EDUCATION/ADULT: Requests the Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical
Colleges and the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education jointly to
study and report on granting a La. high school diploma to successful completers of
adult education programs that meet state established standards
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON1
To urge and request the Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges and the2
State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education jointly to study the feasibility3
of granting a Louisiana high school diploma to successful completers of adult4
education programs that meet state standards and to report their findings and5
recommendations at least sixty days prior to the 2013 Regular Session of the6
Legislature of Louisiana.7
WHEREAS, pursuant to current law, the Board of Supervisors of Community and8
Technical Colleges is required to establish, operate, and maintain a statewide adult education9
program and adopt regulations as may be necessary for the provision of such program; and10
WHEREAS, in fulfilling this responsibility, the board recognizes that individual11
educational achievement is important to the future potential of Louisiana's citizens, families,12
communities, and economy, and of the nation; and13
WHEREAS, the board further recognizes that statistics comparing educational14
attainment with income show that there is a significant correlation between level of15
education and income earning potential; and16
WHEREAS, given these statistics, the board also recognizes that it is imperative that17
Louisiana continuously seek to improve education services available to our adult population18
which currently does not enjoy the opportunity and benefits that accrue to those with at least19
a high school diploma; and20 HLS 12RS-1181 ORIGINAL
HCR NO. 95
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WHEREAS, information from the Louisiana Community and Technical College1
System reveals that there are approximately one hundred thousand Louisiana citizens, ages2
eighteen through twenty-four, who do not have at least a high school diploma; and3
WHEREAS, many persons who complete an adult education program in Louisiana4
seek and attain a General Educational Development (GED) credential and according to the5
Louisiana Community and Technical College System, although this is a worthwhile6
credential, it alone is no longer sufficient to guarantee a sustainable wage; and7
WHEREAS, current law gives the State Board of Elementary and Secondary8
Education the power to award certificates and issue diplomas for successful completion of9
programs of study; and10
WHEREAS, studies show that as today's job market becomes more and more11
competitive, a growing number of employers are mandating at least a high school diploma12
as a requirement for employment; and13
WHEREAS, measures must be taken to ensure that those citizens who are seeking14
employment in today's competitive market, including those who have successfully15
completed an adult education program, are not forced into lower-paying jobs and less than16
fulfilling careers, but rather are given ample opportunities for success and the other benefits17
that come as a result of earning a high school diploma. 18
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby19
urge and request the Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges and the20
State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education jointly to study the feasibility of21
granting a Louisiana high school diploma to persons who successfully complete an adult22
education program that meets state standards and to report their findings and23
recommendations to the House Committee on Education and the Senate Committee on24
Education at least sixty days prior to the convening of the 2013 Regular Session of the25
Legislature of Louisiana.26
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution shall be transmitted27
to the chairman of the Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges, the28
president of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, and the president of29
the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.30 HLS 12RS-1181 ORIGINAL
HCR NO. 95
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DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Hazel HCR No. 95
Requests the Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges and the State
Board of Elementary and Secondary Education jointly to study the feasibility of granting a
La. high school diploma to successful completers of adult education programs that meet state
standards and to report their findings and recommendations to the House and Senate
education committees at least 60 days prior to the 2013 R.S.