Louisiana House Bill HB764

Louisiana 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/4/16
• Refer: 3/4/16

Caption

Provides relative to requirements for approval of home study programs

Impact

The enactment of HB 764 will impact regulations surrounding home education by mandating stricter measures and a standardized approach to assessing the quality of home study programs. The requirement for documentation and the evaluation process by the state Department of Education aims to ensure that children receiving home education receive a curriculum that maintains an equivalent educational standard to that provided in public schools. This shift may also facilitate better oversight of educational quality in home study contexts, addressing potential disparities in education quality for homeschooled children compared to their publicly schooled peers.

Summary

House Bill 764 aims to establish clearer guidelines and requirements for the approval of home study programs in Louisiana. The bill specifies that parents or legal guardians must apply to the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) for initial and renewal approval of home study programs. Among the requirements, parents must provide a birth certificate, detailed outlines of subjects to be taught, instructional materials, assessments, and evaluations from third parties to demonstrate the quality of the education provided. The bill seeks to ensure that the curriculum offered by home study programs meets standards comparable to those of public schools at the same grade level.

Sentiment

Discussions around the bill reflect a mixed sentiment among stakeholders. Proponents argue that the bill is a step towards accountability in home education, ensuring that children receive a quality education that adheres to state standards. Critics may view the bill as an overreach that imposes unnecessary burdens on parents choosing to homeschool their children, potentially infringing on parental rights and autonomy in educational choices. The sentiment highlights a fundamental debate about the balance between educational standards, parental rights, and state oversight.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding HB 764 is the level of state involvement in home education. While supporters see the regulations as necessary for maintaining educational quality, opponents fear that increased oversight can infringe on parental rights and reduce the flexibility that homeschooling families value. The bill's requirement for additional documentation and assessments could be perceived as an infringement on the freedom that comes with choosing a non-traditional education path. Consequently, the discourse around this bill encapsulates a broader dialogue on the rights of parents versus the role of the state in education.