DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of
the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of
the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Smith HB No. 423
Abstract: Provides for a temporary cessation of the letter grade component of the school and
district accountability system.
Present law provides for the development and implementation of a school and district
accountability system which requires and supports student achievement in each public school.
Further states that the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) shall provide
for a statewide system of accountability for schools and school districts based on student
achievement and minimum standards for the approval of schools.
Present law (R.S. 17:10.1(F)) provides that BESE, in consultation with parents, teachers, school
administrators, and other education stakeholders, shall develop a letter grade system reflective of
school and district performance that shall include the following:
(1) Assignment of a letter grade to each public elementary and secondary school and school
district that is based upon the current method of determining school and district
performance scores. Any school that has been labeled academically unacceptable shall be
assigned a grade of "F".
(2) Inclusion of a letter grade assigned to each public school and school district in the school
report cards compiled by the Dept. of Education and distributed to parents and in any
public release of school and district performance scores.
(3) Creation of an honor roll which recognizes high-performing schools with graduation rates
that exceed the state average, which shall also be made public when information relative
to school and district performance scores and letter grades are released.
Proposed law provides that, notwithstanding the provisions of present law, neither BESE nor the
Dept. of Education shall assign a letter grade to any school or district or in any other way
implement the provisions of present law (R.S. 17:10.1(F)) from July 1, 2014, through July 1,
2016.
Effective in part upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action; effective in
part July 1, 2016.
(Adds R.S. 17:10.1(G); Repeals R.S. 17:10.1(G))