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)]
Harris HB No. 672
Abstract: Provides for the development, review, and adoption of state content standards for
required subjects by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Provides a
process for standards development and review including participation by La. citizens.
Requires public hearings by public school governing authorities to receive public comment
relative to the standards. Provides for legislative approval of the standards. Deletes
requirements that standards-based assessments be based on rigorous standards comparable
at the national level.
Present law, relative to state content standards and related assessments, requires the state Dept. of
Education to develop, with the approval of the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education
(BESE), statewide content standards for required subjects (English language arts, math, science, and
social studies) for public elementary and secondary schools. Requires implementation of the
standards by the department as approved by BESE, with recommendations prior to approval and
advice from the educational personnel in the public schools and colleges and universities of this
state. Requires standards-based assessments for required subjects to be implemented by 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. Specifies that the standards-based assessments in
English language arts and math shall be based on nationally recognized content standards. Permits
public school governing authorities to develop and implement curriculum, content, and methodology
for required subjects in lieu of that recommended by the state Dept. of Education or BESE.
Proposed law, relative to state content standards, provides for the development, review, and adoption
by BESE. Specifies a process and time lines for such development, review, and adoption and
includes participation by La. citizens selected by BESE based on qualifications as provided in
proposed law. Requires the development of standards in English language arts and math to begin
in 2016 with implementation beginning in 2018-2019 subject to legislative approval. Provides for
the review of the standards for all required subjects every three years beginning in 2020. Requires
public school governing authorities to hold public hearings to review the standards and receive
public comment. Further requires such governing authorities to report their recommendations and
public comments to BESE. Requires the state Dept. of Education to maintain an online forum on
its website and to post the citizen applications and selections, the draft standards, and all public
comments received. Provides that all meetings for the development and review of the state content
standards are subject to the Open Meetings Law. Provides for legislative approval of the standards by a concurrent resolution. Provides that the standards used in 2010-2011 shall be used until the
legislature approves new standards. Requires that lists of recommended or required textbook and
curriculum resources published by BESE, the state Dept. of Education, or any other entity shall have
at least three curricula and if the list is subdivided, each division shall have at least three curricula.
Provides for definitions. Otherwise retains present law.
Proposed law relative to standards-based assessments, deletes requirements that such assessments
be based on rigorous student achievement standards comparable to national student achievement
levels, that the rigor of such assessments shall at least compare to that of national achievement tests,
and that the English language arts and math assessments be based on nationally recognized content
standards. Requires BESE to develop new assessments and assessment guides for English language
arts and math aligned to the standards developed beginning in 2016 for implementation in 2018-2019
if those standards are approved by the legislature. Provides that the assessments used in 2010-2011
shall be used until the legislature approves new standards and the new assessments are developed.
Prohibits the use of any computer adaptive technology and the compilation, collection, or assessment
of any biometric information or certain student information, including but not limited to any type of
non-cognitive, emotional, or psychological characteristics, attributes, or skills, psychological
mindsets, learning strategies, effortful control, attitudes, dispositions, social skills, or other
interpersonal or intrapersonal resources, in administration of the assessments. Otherwise retains
present law.
Proposed law provides that state content standards and assessments shall not supersede the
requirements of a student's Individualized Education Program or Section 504 plan, nor any
accommodations for English Language Learners. Requires that in implementing the standards and
assessments, local public school boards shall comply with applicable state laws and the Federal
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and ensure that all Individualized Education Programs,
Section 504 plans, and accommodations for English Language Learners are fully implemented.
Requires BESE to promulgate rules for all standards and assessments used.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 17:24.4(A)(4), (E), (F)(1)(c), (d), and (f); Adds R.S. 17:24.4(A)(5), (6), and (7),
(F)(1)(g), and (K))