Requires the Dept. of Education to pay the cost of certain postsecondary remedial and developmental coursework required of public high school graduates. (gov sig) (EG INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Impact
The enactment of SB 69 is poised to alter state educational funding structures by placing the financial burden of remedial coursework on the DOE. This could contribute to an increase in state educational expenditures, particularly if a significant number of graduates require remedial education. The bill also emphasizes the need for the DOE to identify and pursue various funding sources to effectively implement its provisions, which might provoke discussions regarding budget priorities and allocation within the state's education sector.
Summary
Senate Bill 69, introduced by Senator Nevers, mandates that the Louisiana Department of Education (DOE) must ensure all public high school graduates possess the essential skills and knowledge to be deemed college and career ready. Additionally, the bill stipulates that the DOE is responsible for the financial cost incurred for remedial and developmental coursework needed for these graduates to gain admission into public postsecondary institutions. The objective of this legislation is to bolster the preparedness of high school students and facilitate their transition into higher education.
Sentiment
Reactions to SB 69 appear to be supportive from educational advocates who view it as a necessary step toward improving academic outcomes for students struggling to meet postsecondary standards. However, concerns have been expressed regarding the financial implications for the state budget, particularly amidst a backdrop of existing budgetary constraints. Stakeholders are cautious about the practicality of funding this initiative adequately, raising questions about the balance between educational support and fiscal responsibility.
Contention
A notable point of contention surrounding SB 69 lies in the implementation logistics, specifically the bill's reliance on adequate funding sources. As it currently stands, the bill's effectiveness hinges on the DOE's ability to secure necessary financing from public and private funding sources. This adds uncertainty to the bill's overall impact, as it raises issues regarding the sustainability of such funding solutions and whether they can consistently support the proposed initiative.
Requires high school governing authorities to pay the cost of certain postsecondary remedial and developmental coursework required of public high school graduates. (gov sig) (EG INCREASE LF EX See Note)
Requires that student identification cards issued by public postsecondary education institutions meet certain requirements (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Adds computer science as a high school graduation requirement and requires teacher preparation programs to include computer science education (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Provides relative to reimbursement to public postsecondary education institutions for dual enrollment programs and remedial education courses (OR SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)
Requires high school governing authorities to pay the cost of certain postsecondary remedial and developmental coursework required of public high school graduates. (gov sig) (EG INCREASE LF EX See Note)
Provides for the reverse transfer of academic credits and the award of certain credits to veterans and their spouses. (gov sig) (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)