Louisiana House Bill HCR200

Louisiana 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/1/15
• Refer: 6/1/15
• Report Pass: 6/2/15
• Engrossed: 6/8/15
• Passed: 6/10/15

Caption

Requests the Board of Regents to review and consider revising its master plan relative to the plan's goal of increasing postsecondary educational attainment

Impact

The resolution seeks to impact state laws by urging the review and revision of existing educational strategies and policies. The emphasis on improving student enrollment, persistence, and completion—particularly for underrepresented groups such as minorities, returning adults, and veterans—highlights the need for the Board of Regents to actively work towards customer engagement and demographic inclusivity in the education system. This is aligned with broader national priorities aimed at enhancing the quality and accessibility of postsecondary education.

Summary

HCR200 is a House Concurrent Resolution that urges the Board of Regents in Louisiana to review and potentially revise its Master Plan for Postsecondary Education. The resolution emphasizes the goal of increasing postsecondary educational attainment in the state, which currently falls below the national average. With only 29.6% of Louisiana adults holding a two or four-year degree, significant improvements are necessary to reach the Southern Regional Education Board's average by 2025. The resolution cites the need for a focused approach in increasing graduation rates and addressing gaps in educational attainment linked to race and ethnicity.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR200 appears to be generally supportive, as lawmakers recognize the importance of education in fostering a skilled workforce and enhancing economic growth. However, there may be contention regarding how effectively the Master Plan could be revised to address existing disparities without imposing too stringent requirements on educational institutions or risking the quality of education.

Contention

While the resolution has earned support for its focus on increasing educational attainment, discussions may arise about the viability of proposed changes, the complexity of revising an established Master Plan, and the resources necessary to support improvements. Notably, stakeholders might disagree on the measures needed to effectively engage underrepresented populations and ensure that any adjustments to educational strategies truly promote equity and accessibility.