Louisiana House Bill HR178

Louisiana 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/3/13
• Passed: 6/4/13

Caption

Requests the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to study and consider exempting foreign exchange students from ACT requirements

Impact

If enacted, HR178 would initiate a comprehensive study examining the implications of exempting foreign exchange students from ACT requirements. The resolution seeks to assess how such an exemption might impact existing educational policies and whether amendments to the state's Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) flexibility request are necessary. By potentially exempting these students, the intent is to address their unique linguistic and cultural challenges and create a more inclusive educational environment.

Summary

House Resolution 178, proposed by Representative Hoffmann, urges the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to study the potential exemption of foreign exchange students from the requirement of taking the American College Test (ACT) in the eleventh grade. This resolution highlights concerns about the proficiency of foreign exchange students in English and suggests that mandatory participation in the ACT could adversely affect their educational experiences and the overall School Performance Scores of schools in the state. The aim is to ensure equitable opportunities for all students, aligning with the state's constitutional educational goals.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HR178 appears to support the notion of providing fair opportunities for foreign exchange students, with recognition of their specific needs. The proposed study is designed to further explore how best to accommodate these students within the existing framework of state educational assessments. However, the discussions could also bring up concerns regarding accountability and the implications for overall school performance metrics, reflecting a balancing act between inclusivity and educational standards.

Contention

While HR178 appears primarily focused on studying the potential exemption, the proviso for a detailed examination of state and federal laws indicates that the resolution may spark broader discussions about assessment policies in Louisiana. Key points of contention may arise over how such an exemption could affect academic accountability measures and the perception of foreign exchange students' performance relative to state educational goals. The balancing of educational equity with performance assessments may provoke debate among educators, legislators, and stakeholders.