Requires the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop and adopt rules and regulations providing for parental choice relative to state standardized testing for students with disabilities
Impact
If enacted, HB 613 would modify how standardized testing is handled for students with disabilities in Louisiana by preventing schools from imposing penalties on students who opt out of these assessments. Specifically, it prohibits actions like withholding graduation credits, denying participation in extracurricular activities, and restricting grade advancement for students who do not participate in these tests. Moreover, BESE's rules must align with federal education laws, ensuring consistency and legal compliance in how testing is administered for this demographic.
Summary
House Bill 613 aims to enhance parental choice regarding state standardized testing for students with disabilities. The bill requires the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) to develop rules and regulations that mandate local education agencies inform parents and legal guardians of their right to choose whether their child participates in state standardized testing. In an effort to ensure equitable educational assessment for students with disabilities, the bill emphasizes written consent from parents before a student can be subjected to standardized testing. This provision is intended to empower families in educational decision-making.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding HB 613 is supportive among advocacy groups for students with disabilities and their families, who view this legislation as a necessary step towards equitable education. However, some educational professionals express concerns over how this could lead to inconsistencies in educational standards and potential impacts on school accountability measures. Overall, there appears to be a consensus that student well-being and parental rights should be prioritized, although the implications of the changes could spark discussions about educational equity.
Contention
Notable points of contention in the discussion of HB 613 include the balance between standardized assessments as accountability measures and the rights of parents to guide their child's education. Critics argue that while parental choice is crucial, the absence of standardized assessments could potentially undermine objective measures of student performance and educational effectiveness. Supporters, however, emphasize the need to adapt testing protocols to better serve students with disabilities, advocating for a system that acknowledges individual circumstances and promotes inclusion.
Requires the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) to adopt rules requiring high school students to complete at least one course offered by a BESE-authorized online or virtual course provider as a prerequisite to graduation (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Requires the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to adopt rules and regulations relative to the physical abuse of public school teachers and employees by students
Requests the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education and the La. Developmental Disabilities Council to study issues relative to high school graduation rates for special education students
Provides relative to reports and certain commissions and advisory councils with respect to the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the state Department of Education
Requests that the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education and others study potential funding sources for online courses offered through the Course Choice Program and opportunities for increasing broadband access for students
Requests the state Dept. of Education and the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop and adopt academic standards that are rigorous and effective for all La. students
Revises goal for annual capacity of solar energy projects to be approved under Community Solar Energy Program; allows certain customers to self-attest to income for program participation; allows information disclosure of customers participating in program.