RDCSB125 331 4643
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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)]
Nevers SB No. 125
Present law requires the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) to
approve a state action plan for a nonmandatory comprehensive agricultural education
program for kindergarten through grade 12. Further provides for the instructional strategies,
guidelines, instructional materials, and professional development activities to be included
in the plan. Provides that the plan shall be implemented upon appropriation of funds for that
purpose. Proposed law deletes the requirement that the plan be implemented upon the
appropriation of funds and otherwise retains present law.
Proposed law creates the Agricultural Education Commission. Provides for the purpose,
membership, compensation, and meetings of the commission. Provides for the commission's
duties as follows:
(1)Assist the state superintendent of education in the ongoing evaluation of agricultural
education programs in elementary and secondary schools.
(2)Review the state action plan for agricultural education and make recommendations
related thereto.
(3)Review the state's agricultural education delivery system and provide advice and
guidance related thereto.
(4)Assist in the development of partnerships and alliances with agriculture-related
industries and other stakeholders.
(5)Provide advice and support in the development and creation of certain agriculture
immersion programs in elementary and secondary schools.
Proposed law requires BESE to create a pilot program to provide for the establishment of
agricultural education immersion programs that provide students with a high quality
educational program that integrates agriculture-related instruction throughout all disciplines
included in the curriculum. Further provides that agricultural immersion programs shall:
(1)Provide an articulated, sequentially structured, total agricultural education program
that prepares students for entrance into a postsecondary educational program or other
certification that leads to a career.
(2)Provide each student with an academically rigorous curricula, work-based learning
experiences, and student leadership opportunities within an agricultural context.
(3)Integrate agriculture throughout the curriculum in a systematic manner that prepares
students for successful careers in a wide array of agriculture-related industries and
occupations, including food and crop science, soil science, animal science, fiber
production, farm production, renewable resources, agricultural research, and
agribusiness management and marketing.
(4)Provide dual-enrollment opportunities that allow students to earn college credit hours
that can be transferred to a postsecondary institution and industry-based
certifications that qualify a student for employment upon graduation from high
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Proposed law provides that the implementation of the agricultural education immersion pilot
program shall be implemented as expeditiously as possible through any source of funding
made available for that purpose.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 17:185.4; Adds R.S. 17:185.5 and 185.6 and R.S. 36:651(G)(4))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Education to the engrossed
bill.
1. Adds to the commission membership the presidents of the La. Assoc. of
Educators and the La. Federation of Teachers or their designees.
2. In the list of commission members, changes references to the "Louisiana Future
Farmers of America Association" to the "Louisiana FFA".