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 542 Original 2015 Regular Session Schroder
Abstract: Prohibits implementation of the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and
Careers (PARCC) and similar assessments.
Present law provides for the La. Competency-Based Education Program, including the
implementation of statewide standards for required subjects and the La. Educational Assessment
Program (LEAP). Requires standards-based assessments for required subjects (English language
arts, math, science, and social studies) to be implemented by the State Board of Elementary and
Secondary Education (BESE) and administered in at least grades 3 through 11. Provides that such
assessments be based on state content standards and rigorous student achievement standards
comparable to national student achievement levels. Further requires that the rigor of such
assessments shall at least compare to that of national achievement tests. Requires BESE to establish
the adequate test scores for determining successful student performance on the tests.
Proposed law retains present law.
Present law specifies that beginning with the 2014-2015 school year, the standards-based
assessments in English language arts and math shall be based on nationally recognized content
standards. Proposed law deletes present law and prohibits implementation of the Partnership for
Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) and Smarter Balanced assessments and
any other similar assessments. Specifies that this prohibition shall not apply to a college entrance
examination, a high school equivalency examination, or an industry-based certification examination.
Present law provides for an alternate assessment to be administered to students with disabilities who
meet criteria developed by the state Dept. of Education. Further requires the department to develop
modified achievement standards and use alternative assessments for certain students with persistent
academic disabilities. Proposed law requires a parent's or guardian's approval of administration of
an alternate assessment to a student.
(Amends R.S. 17:24.4(F)(1)(a) and (d) and (3)(a) and (b)(ii))