Requires BESE to create and issue a single, standard high school diploma with multiple endorsements. (gov sig)
Impact
The bill aims to streamline the high school graduation process and enhance educational outcomes by allowing students to pursue diverse pathways that align with their talents and aspirations. Multiple diploma endorsements will be available to recognize various achievements, including academic and career-technical accomplishments. Importantly, this legislation also allows for existing high school students to opt into the new diploma structure, thereby providing a bridge for those who may be affected by the changes.
Summary
Senate Bill 83 mandates that the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) create and issue a single, standard high school diploma effective for students entering the 9th grade in the 2015-2016 school year and onward. The bill emphasizes the necessity for BESE to establish multiple pathways for students to earn this diploma, accommodating different academic and vocational interests. Each pathway will have distinct course and graduation requirements, thereby providing flexibility and support tailored to individual student goals.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB 83 is largely positive among educators and advocates for educational reform who believe that the proposed structure will better prepare students for post-secondary education and the workforce. It addresses the need for adaptability in educational pathways, which is increasingly important in a diverse labor market. However, there may be concerns from some stakeholders about the implementation of these new requirements and whether adequate resources will be allocated to support the necessary changes.
Contention
Despite the general support for educational flexibility, there may be points of contention regarding the effectiveness of this new diploma structure in fully addressing the complexities of student needs. Opponents might argue that a one-size-fits-all approach to a standard diploma could overlook specific local educational challenges or fail to adequately support students pursuing more traditional or non-academic routes. Additionally, discussions around funding and resource allocation to implement this bill may arise as it progresses.
Requests BESE, in collaboration with the La. Serve Commission, to study the feasibility of establishing a "distinction for community service" diploma endorsement.
Schools; requiring students beginning certain school year to complete a computer science unit to graduate with standard diploma. Effective date. Emergency.
Provides for determinations for grade level promotion of certain students with exceptionalities regarding performance on state tests and provides for calculations of school performance scores relative to such students
Relating to the terminology used to refer to certain disabilities and to an individualized education team for purposes of determining a student's eligibility for special education services and providing those services in public schools.