Louisiana Senate Bill SB635

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/27/12
• Refer: 3/28/12
• Report Pass: 4/23/12
• Engrossed: 4/30/12
• Refer: 5/1/12
• Report Pass: 5/22/12
• Enrolled: 6/3/12
• Chaptered: 6/14/12
• Passed: 6/14/12

Caption

Allows BESE to expend La. Quality Education Support Fund monies to utilize peer-review consultants for program review. (8/1/12)

Impact

The legislative change proposed in SB 635 impacts state laws by formally allowing the use of the Quality Education Support Fund for the purpose of hiring external consultants. This alteration expands the financial scope of the BESE and could lead to more rigorous evaluations of educational programs. The implementation of external peer reviews is seen as a step towards ensuring higher accountability and effectiveness in educational initiatives funded by the state, which is anticipated to yield better educational outcomes for students.

Summary

Senate Bill 635 seeks to amend the Louisiana Quality Education Support Fund to allow the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) to utilize funds for the payment of certain costs associated with external peer-review consultants. This measure aims to enhance the processes of review, evaluation, and assessment of various educational program proposals in the state. By permitting these expenditures, the bill intends to improve the quality of programs offered under the jurisdiction of BESE, ultimately benefiting Louisiana's education system.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 635 appears to be supportive among educational stakeholders who advocate for better program evaluations. Proponents emphasize that expert evaluations can provide valuable insights into program effectiveness and improvements. However, there may also be underlying concerns regarding the costs associated with hiring external consultants, as some may question whether these funds could be better spent directly on educational resources or in classrooms.

Contention

Although the bill passed unanimously in the House, debates may arise regarding the appropriateness of using public funds for external consultancy services. Critics could argue that relying on outside consultants may not always align with the specific needs and contexts of local educational environments. Furthermore, managing these consultants effectively to ensure that they deliver value for the cost incurred remains a point of contention among educators and policymakers.