Louisiana House Bill HCR166

Louisiana 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/28/13
• Engrossed: 5/28/13
• Refer: 5/29/13
• Report Pass: 5/30/13
• Passed: 6/2/13

Caption

Requests the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to study certain testing requirement options for students pursuing a career diploma

Impact

If implemented, HCR166 has the potential to significantly impact state education policies regarding standardized testing. It reflects a shift towards recognizing different educational paths for high school students and could lead to changes in how state testing aligns with career readiness programs. The request for a comprehensive study signifies the state’s interest in assessing viable testing alternatives that accommodate diverse student needs while maintaining educational standards.

Summary

HCR166 is a concurrent resolution from the Louisiana Legislature that urges the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to study the feasibility of allowing students pursuing a career diploma to substitute the ACT with the ACT WorkKeys assessment to satisfy the eleventh-grade statewide testing requirement. This bill acknowledges that the traditional ACT may not align with the career-oriented goals of all students and proposes an alternative that may better fit their educational trajectories.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR166 appears to be generally positive, with advocates emphasizing the importance of providing students with equitable opportunities that align with their career aspirations. Supporters argue that offering an alternative assessment like the ACT WorkKeys could enhance the relevance of high school diplomas for students aiming for vocational careers, thereby promoting better outcomes in workforce readiness.

Contention

While the resolution aims to cater to students pursuing vocational paths, there may be concerns regarding the academic rigor and acceptance of the WorkKeys assessment. Critics might argue that substituting the ACT with WorkKeys could lower academic expectations or impact the perceived legitimacy of career diplomas. The study mandated by the resolution will need to consider existing federal and state regulations, which could also create contention depending on the findings and any proposed legislative recommendations.