Requires the state Dept. of Education to develop curriculum guides for all public schools
Impact
The introduction of HB 845 represents a significant shift in Louisiana's educational guidelines, as it enhances the consistency of instructional materials across all public schools. The requirement for the state Department of Education to oversee and approve these curriculum guides aims to standardize the quality of education delivered in classrooms. Supporters argue that this centralization will bolster educational coherence and quality by ensuring that all schools follow the same foundational curriculum, regardless of their individual circumstances.
Summary
House Bill 845 mandates the state Department of Education to create curriculum guides for public schools in Louisiana, including charter schools, ensuring that these guides align with statewide educational standards. The law stipulates that these guides must contain essential components such as grade-appropriate skills and competencies, suggested instructional materials, activities, unit plans, and scope and sequences. The effective date for this bill was set for July 1, 2014, thereby emphasizing the urgency with which the educational framework needs to be modernized to benefit students across the state.
Sentiment
Sentiment surrounding HB 845 appears to be largely positive among educators and policymakers, who view it as a progressive step towards improving educational uniformity and accountability in Louisiana's schools. However, there may be concerns about the implementation of these guides and whether they take into account the diverse needs of various local communities. While proponents laud the effort to enhance educational standards, critics may fear potential inflexibility in catering to local curricular needs.
Contention
Despite the overall affirmative sentiment, some contention exists about how prescriptive these statewide curriculum guides might be and whether they will allow for enough local adaptation. There is a potential challenge in balancing the need for standardized education with the capacity for local schools to adjust their teaching methods and materials based on their unique student populations. The debate centers on ensuring that while uniform standards are established, local educators retain the autonomy to make decisions that best serve their students.
Provides relative to implementation of Common Core State Standards and the development of curriculum guides prior to such implementation for public schools and nonpublic schools participating in the voucher program
Permits public school governing authorities to develop and implement curriculum, content, and methodology in lieu of that recommended by the state Dept. of Education or the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (EN NO IMPACT See Note)
Provides for the Educational Excellence for Louisiana Commission to develop content and performance standards, curriculum, and assessments for elementary and secondary education. (gov sig) (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Provides relative to the development, review, and adoption of state content standards and related assessments for public school students (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Requires that the state content standards developed by the state Dept. of Education be promulgated in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act (OR NO IMPACT See Note)