Requires legislative approval of changes made to school performance score ranges
Impact
The bill modifies existing laws related to the accountability framework for Louisiana schools, which previously allowed the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) to unilaterally adjust school performance score ranges. By requiring legislative input, the bill aims to ensure that any modifications undergo thorough review and evaluation, potentially preventing arbitrary or politically motivated changes that could negatively affect student assessments and accountability.
Summary
House Bill 346 stipulates that any changes made to the school performance score ranges within Louisiana's school and district accountability system require approval from both the House and Senate education committees. This measure is intended to bring more oversight and legislative control over how performance metrics are defined and applied, directly impacting the evaluation of educational institutions based on student achievement and growth.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 346 appears to be cautiously optimistic among supporters who argue for the necessity of legislative oversight in educational accountability. They believe it helps maintain standards and ensures that changes reflect the interests of the community rather than transient political pressures. Conversely, there are concerns from opponents who fear that added legislative steps could lead to delays in necessary updates to performance metrics, thereby risking stagnation in improving educational outcomes.
Contention
A notable point of contention regarding HB 346 is the balance between accountability and responsiveness. Proponents argue that legislative approval enhances the robustness of the accountability system, while critics contend that it may complicate or obstruct timely improvements that respond to changing educational needs. The implications of this bill could potentially lead to a more transparent process for assessing school performance but may also hinder swift legislative action when necessary reforms are needed.
Requests that the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education study the feasibility of implementing a 100-point scale for performance score ranges used to assign school and district letter grades
Provides relative to the use of student test scores and diploma types in calculations of performance scores for the school and district accountability system
Requires the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education to disseminate annually its method for determining school and district performance scores and letter grades and limits changes to the method
Prohibits inclusion of performance data related to students educated in office of juvenile residential centers, justice detention centers, or office of juvenile justice facilities in the school or district performance scores of the public school system where such centers or facilities are located. (8/15/10)