ENROLLED
2015 Regular Session
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOL UTION NO. 64
BY REPRESENTATIVE BROADWATER
A CONCURRENT RESOL UTION
To create the Education in Alternative Settings Study Commission to study and make
recommendations on educational programs in juvenile justice settings and during
transitions between the community and juvenile justice settings.
WHEREAS, education is a powerful shield against delinquency and recidivism;
education serves as an indispensable part of positive youth development; and
WHEREAS, it is important that youth who are in the custody of the state's juvenile
justice system receive the same educational opportunities as all youth in Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, there are particular challenges in educating youth in juvenile justice
settings including high rates of special education needs and accommodating youth who enter
and leave juvenile justice facilities throughout the year; and
WHEREAS, effective educational programs in juvenile justice settings require
careful attention to supporting youth in times of transition, such as when they enter custody
or return to their respective communities when released from custody; and
WHEREAS, it is imperative that high quality educational programs be provided in
juvenile justice facilities in order to help youth develop the academic and vocational skills
necessary to successfully transition to and succeed in high school, postsecondary education
institutions, and the workforce; and
WHEREAS, Louisiana's public education and juvenile justice systems would benefit
from careful assessment of the state's existing practices and from studies to ensure that the
best practices in education are implemented in detention centers, nonsecure and secure
facilities, and in times of transition in order for our youth to succeed in school and life.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
establish the Education in Alternative Settings Study Commission to meet and make
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recommendations to the legislature on actions necessary to provide the best possible
education to youth in juvenile justice settings.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the commission shall consist of the following
members:
(1)The chairman of the House Committee on Education, or his designee.
(2)One member of the House of Representatives appointed by the speaker of the
House.
(3)The chairman of the Senate Committee on Education, or his designee.
(4)One member of the Senate appointed by the president of the Senate.
(5)The deputy secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections,
youth services, office of juvenile justice, or his designee.
(6)The state superintendent of education, or his designee.
(7)The president of the Louisiana Juvenile Detention Association, or his
designee.
(8)The secretary of the Department of Children and Family Services, or his
designee.
(9)One judge with jurisdiction over juvenile delinquency proceedings
designated by the Louisiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges.
(10)One expert in juvenile justice and best practices in serving incarcerated youth
designated by the executive director of the Louisiana Center for Children's
Rights.
(11)One expert in special education rights designated by the director of the
Louisiana office of the Southern Poverty Law Center.
(12)One expert in reentry and reintegration designated by the director of the
Institute for Public Health and Justice.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study shall include an examination and
analysis of all aspects of education in juvenile justice settings in Louisiana, and the
commission shall assess existing policies and practices and formulate recommendations in
areas, including but not limited to:
(1)Instruction and curriculum.
(2)Special education services.
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(3)School culture and youth engagement.
(4)Postsecondary and career preparation programming.
(5)Community placement and transition planning and implementation.
(6)Talent management.
(7)Correctional educational staff collaboration.
(8)Budget and funding mechanisms.
(9)Technology solutions.
(10)Collection and use of data in assessment and evaluation.
(11)Setting quality standards.
(12)Ensuring accountability and oversight.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the commission shall review and study best
practices in alternative education settings at the national, state, and local levels, including
detention centers and nonsecure and secure custody facilities, and all practices involving the
support of youth during the transition into and out of juvenile justice custody.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of the commission shall serve
without compensation.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a majority of the total membership shall
constitute a quorum of the commission, and any official action by the commission shall
require an affirmative vote of a majority of the quorum present and voting.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the commission shall conduct public meetings
as it deems necessary to fully and effectively perform its duties and accomplish the
objectives and purposes of this Resolution, and may receive testimony and information
relative to any of the subjects of study enumerated in this Resolution.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the commission may seek and engage such
counsel, research, assistance, and advice as may be obtained from any and all public and
private sources, including but not limited to private research agencies, consulting groups,
individuals, and organizations.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the state superintendent of education or his
designee shall be responsible for designating staff to assist the commission in performing
its duties.
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, to the extent permitted by law, every officer,
agency, board, commission, and department of the state, and every political subdivision and
local officer, shall:
(1) Provide aid, services, and assistance as may be requested by the commission.
(2) Make available all facts, records, information, and data requested by the
commission.
(3) Allow commission members and persons providing consulting or advisory
services to the commission reasonable access to juvenile justice facilities, as long as such
access does not interfere with the security and stability of the facilities.
(4) Cooperate with the commission in carrying out its functions and duties.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the commission member designated by the
chairman of the House Committee on Education shall convene the first meeting of the
commission prior to August 1, 2015, at which meeting the commission shall elect a chair or
co-chairs by vote of a majority of the members present.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the commission may issue such interim reports
as appropriate and shall submit a written report of its study findings and recommendations,
including suggestions for proposed legislation, if any, to the House Committee on Education
and the Senate Committee on Education no later than February 1, 2016.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the commission shall terminate on December
31, 2017.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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