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)]
HB 320 Original 2015 Regular Session Woodruff
Abstract: Requires dropout recovery programs in high schools with low graduation rates and
provides prorated MFP funding for students enrolled in such program.
Present law provides with respect to high school dropout prevention (R.S. 17:221.4) and high school
dropout recovery (R.S. 17:221.6).
With respect to dropout prevention, present law requires certain minors, within 120 days of leaving
school, to seek alternative programs. Proposed law retains present law and exempts minors who are
otherwise participating in a dropout recovery program.
Present law, with respect to dropout recovery in high school, allows each city, parish, or other local
public school system or charter school to offer a dropout recovery program. Proposed law requires
such a program in those high schools that had a graduation rate of 85% or less in the previous year.
Present law provides that any student enrolled in a dropout recovery program is to be included in the
student enrollment count of the school offering the program. Proposed law provides that the enrolled
student is to be funded according to the applicable MFP formula, on a pro rata basis as determined
by the number of months in which the student participated in the program.
Present law requires certain student information to be recorded and reported to the Dept. of
Education on a monthly basis. Proposed law retains the recordation requirement but eliminates the
reporting requirement to the Dept. of Education.
Proposed law retains present law with respect to other provisions of the dropout recovery program
and clarifies certain terms.
(Amends R.S. 17:221.4(A) and (C)(intro. para.) and 221.6(A), (E)(intro. para.), and (I)(intro. para.);
Adds R.S. 17:221.6(I)(4))