Louisiana House Bill HB1054

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/24/14
• Refer: 3/25/14

Caption

Requires teachers in all public schools and in nonpublic schools participating in the voucher program to take the state assessments aligned to the Common Core State Standards prior to administering such assessments to students

Impact

The implementation of HB 1054 will have significant implications for state education laws, particularly in how teacher assessments are conducted. Public school teachers, as well as teachers in charter schools and nonpublic schools that are part of the scholarship program, will be mandated to take and pass these state assessments prior to their administration to students. This aligns with existing competency-based education frameworks and ensures that all teaching personnel across different programs are held to the same standards regarding their pedagogy and subject matter knowledge.

Summary

House Bill 1054 requires teachers in both public and nonpublic schools participating in Louisiana's voucher program to complete state assessments aligned with the Common Core State Standards before administering those assessments to students. The aim of this bill is to ensure that educators are adequately prepared and knowledgeable about the curriculum assessments they will be administering, thereby potentially enhancing the quality of education delivered in Louisiana's schools. It emphasizes the importance of teacher preparedness in meeting state educational standards.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding HB 1054 appears to be supportive, as it is viewed as a measure that strengthens educational standards and accountability. Proponents argue that it provides a mechanism for improving educational outcomes by ensuring that teachers possess the necessary knowledge and skills before they assess student performance. However, there may also be concerns raised about the implications for teacher autonomy and the added responsibilities imposed by the requirement to complete assessments.

Contention

Potential points of contention include how this law may affect the implementation and flexibility of education practices in nonpublic schools and charter schools participating in the voucher program. Critics might argue that requiring teachers to pass the assessments could create barriers to entry for some educators and could potentially affect staffing in those schools. Additionally, the policy's requirement of teacher feedback from assessments to be submitted to local superintendents and education committees may raise concerns about privacy and the administrative burdens placed on teachers.