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)]
Ivey HB No. 559
Abstract: Prohibits implementation of Common Core State Standards, provides for
implementation of prior standards, provides with respect to development of standards,
and prohibits certain standards-based assessments.
Present law defines "statewide content standards for required subjects" and includes content
experts, educators, and business leaders in determining knowledge and skills necessary for
students to successfully transition to postsecondary education and the workplace. Proposed law
requires that such experts, educators, and business leaders reside in or do business in La. and
adds community leaders to this group.
Present law requires the state Dept. of Education, with the approval of BESE, to develop
statewide content standards with recommendation from educational personnel. Proposed law
retains present law and adds community leaders to those making recommendation, specifies that
these individuals be La.-based, and further requires that their recommendations be made applying
principles, values, and standards of the state's communities.
Proposed law specifically prohibits the state Dept. of Education and BESE from implementing
Common Core State Standards for any subject and requires the department to revert to prior
standards and make improvements on such standards as may be necessary to ensure rigorous
standards.
Proposed law deletes present law requirement that the standards-based assessments in English
language arts and math be based on nationally recognized content standards and prohibits
implementation of the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers
(PARCC) and Smarter Balanced assessments and any other similar assessments.
(Amends R.S. 17:24.4(A)(4), (E), and (F)(1)(d))