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Regular Session, 2012
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 95
BY REPRESENTATIVE HAZEL
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON
To urge and request 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 Louisiana high school diploma to successful completers of adult
education programs that meet state standards and to report their findings and
recommendations at least sixty days prior to the 2013 Regular Session of the
Legislature of Louisiana.
WHEREAS, pursuant to current law, the Board of Supervisors of Community and
Technical Colleges is required to establish, operate, and maintain a statewide adult education
program and adopt regulations as may be necessary for the provision of such program; and
WHEREAS, in fulfilling this responsibility, the board recognizes that individual
educational achievement is important to the future potential of Louisiana's citizens, families,
communities, and economy, and of the nation; and
WHEREAS, the board further recognizes that statistics comparing educational
attainment with income show that there is a significant correlation between level of
education and income earning potential; and
WHEREAS, given these statistics, the board also recognizes that it is imperative that
Louisiana continuously seek to improve education services available to our adult population
which currently does not enjoy the opportunity and benefits that accrue to those with at least
a high school diploma; and
WHEREAS, information from the Louisiana Community and Technical College
System reveals that there are approximately one hundred thousand Louisiana citizens, ages
eighteen through twenty-four, who do not have at least a high school diploma; and
WHEREAS, many persons who complete an adult education program in Louisiana
seek and attain a General Educational Development (GED) credential and according to the ENROLLEDHCR NO. 95
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Louisiana Community and Technical College System, although this is a worthwhile
credential, it alone is no longer sufficient to guarantee a sustainable wage; and
WHEREAS, current law gives the State Board of Elementary and Secondary
Education the power to award certificates and issue diplomas for successful completion of
programs of study; and
WHEREAS, studies show that as today's job market becomes more and more
competitive, a growing number of employers are mandating at least a high school diploma
as a requirement for employment; and
WHEREAS, measures must be taken to ensure that those citizens who are seeking
employment in today's competitive market, including those who have successfully
completed an adult education program, are not forced into lower-paying jobs and less than
fulfilling careers, but rather are given ample opportunities for success and the other benefits
that come as a result of earning a high school diploma.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
urge and request 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 Louisiana high school diploma to persons who successfully complete an adult
education program that meets state standards and to report their findings and
recommendations to the House Committee on Education and the Senate Committee on
Education at least sixty days prior to the convening of the 2013 Regular Session of the
Legislature of Louisiana.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution shall be transmitted
to the chairman of the Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges, the
president of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, and the president of
the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATI VES
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE