Louisiana Senate Bill SB685

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/3/12
• Refer: 4/3/12
• Report Pass: 4/23/12
• Engrossed: 5/1/12
• Refer: 5/2/12
• Report Pass: 5/16/12
• Enrolled: 6/4/12
• Chaptered: 6/14/12
• Passed: 6/14/12

Caption

Requires the parents or guardians of public school children to attend or participate in at least one parent-teacher conference per year. (8/1/12)

Impact

The implications of SB 685 on state laws include the formalization of parent involvement expectations within the public education system. By requiring parental participation in teacher meetings, the bill attempts to bridge the gap between home and school, enhancing support for student learning. Furthermore, schools will need to develop rules around the consequences of non-attendance, ensuring that no punitive measures are taken against students should their parents fail to comply.

Summary

Senate Bill 685, enacted into Louisiana law, mandates that parents or guardians of public school students must attend or participate in at least one parent-teacher conference each academic year. The legislation is designed to foster better communication between educators and families, thereby increasing parental involvement in students' academic progress. The bill specifically outlines that teachers are to schedule a minimum of two conferences during the first semester of the school year, allowing a parent to participate via a conference call if the student has multiple teachers.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment around SB 685 appears to be supportive among legislators, as evidenced by the unanimous vote in the Senate, which passed the bill with 35 votes in favor and none against. Proponents argue that the bill is a positive step towards engaging parents in their children's education, recognizing the critical role of parental involvement in academic success. However, there may be concerns about enforcement and the balance of expectations placed on parents, particularly those from challenging socioeconomic backgrounds.

Contention

Notably, the bill acknowledges that there may be circumstances where a parent or guardian’s attendance at such conferences may not be required. Specifically, if a child's academic record indicates that a conference is unnecessary, attendance may be waived. This provision reflects an understanding of the diverse situations of families, although it raises questions about the criteria used to determine necessity and the potential for unequal enforcement across different schools.