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)]
Ortego HB No. 763
Abstract: Provides relative to the enrollment of students in foreign language immersion
programs in public schools.
Present law provides for the "Immersion School Choice Law" as follows:
(1)Authorizes a local public school board to establish a foreign language immersion program
in any school under its jurisdiction. The program shall be open to the enrollment of any
student who resides within the jurisdictional boundaries of the school district.
(2)Provides that, beginning with the 2014-2015 school year, a local public school board, if
requested in writing signed by the parent or legal guardian of at least 25 students enrolled
in kindergarten who reside within the jurisdictional boundaries of the school district, shall
establish a foreign language immersion program for such students if specified other
criteria are met.
(3)Provides that such program shall be continued as long as at least 20 students remain
enrolled in the program.
(4)Requires the local school board to ensure that any foreign language immersion program
created pursuant to proposed law is designated as a Certified Foreign Language
Immersion Program in accordance with present law.
(5)Provides that a local school board shall not be required to provide transportation to any
student enrolled in a foreign language immersion program established that is located
outside the attendance zone of the school the student would otherwise attend if providing
such transportation would result in additional transportation costs to the school system.
Proposed law amends present law, item (2) above, to make it applicable to students entering first
grade also.
Proposed law prohibits local school boards from denying enrollment in a foreign language
immersion program to any student if the following conditions are met:
(1)The minimum foundation program formula provides funding to local school systems
employing foreign language teachers to provide salary supplements for such teachers at a
level equal to or greater than the level of funding provided for this purpose through such formula for the 2011-2012 fiscal year.
(2)A sufficient number of foreign language teachers with the required credentials are
available through programs administered by the Dept. of Education and the Council for
the Development of French in La. to accommodate all interested students in the program.
(3)The student resides within the jurisdictional boundaries of the school district.
(4)The student applies for enrollment in such a program by no later than March first of the
school year prior to such enrollment.
(5)If the student is entering second grade or above, he is sufficiently proficient in the target
language or is transferring from a certified foreign language program in another La.
school district.
Proposed law provides that, for a foreign language immersion program established prior to the
2012-2013 school year, the requirements of present law that require enrollment of 20 students for
continuation of the program and that require enrollment of timely applicants shall apply. Further
provides that the local school board shall ensure that such program is designated as a Certified
Foreign Language Immersion Program by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary
Education in accordance with present law (R.S. 17:273.2) by not later than July 1, 2017.
Proposed law provides that nothing in present law or proposed law shall contravene any order of
a court of competent jurisdiction providing for the assignment of pupils within the school system.
Effective July 1, 2014.
(Amends R.S. 17:273.3(C)(2)(a)(intro. para.); Adds R.S. 17:273.3(E), (F), and (G))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Education to the original bill.
1. Adds the following conditions on the proposed law prohibition on denial of
enrollment.
a. Sufficient minimum foundation program formula funds to pay salary
supplements.
b. Sufficient number of teachers with proper credentials.
c. Proficiency or transfer student requirements applicable to students entering the
second grade or above.