Provides relative to state content standards and related tests and assessments. (gov sig)
Impact
If implemented, SB 262 would significantly impact the Louisiana Competency-Based Education Program by modifying the existing framework for assessing student performance and teacher effectiveness. The legislation aims to align school and district performance evaluations with past assessment outcomes, ensuring stability within the educational evaluation process. Such modifications could help maintain performance expectations but may also limit local educational authorities' flexibility in adapting assessments to meet their specific community needs.
Summary
Senate Bill 262 aims to establish guidelines for statewide content standards and assessments in Louisiana education. The bill mandates the use of assessment results for distributing school and district letter grades, evaluating teacher performance, and determining pupil progression. More specifically, it stipulates that for the 2016-2017 academic year, statewide assessment results should not be solely used for evaluating teachers or making placement decisions for fourth and eighth-grade students, encouraging a more equitable approach to education standards across the board.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding SB 262 appears to be supportive among legislators and educational stakeholders who believe that consistent assessment standards will promote educational equity across the state. However, there are concerns regarding the potential limitations placed on how assessments are used, primarily among local educators who seek the latitude to apply assessments in ways best suited to their unique situations. The sentiment thus reflects a balance of support for standardized evaluation and caution over restrictions on local control.
Contention
Notable points of contention arise around the emphasis on not utilizing assessment results to evaluate teacher performance or make significant placement decisions for younger students. Critics argue that such provisions could hinder accountability and lead to lower overall educational standards. Supporters, however, contend that eliminating high-stakes consequences for teachers and young students will foster a more conducive learning environment. The bill thus encapsulates the debate between enforcing uniform standards and allowing flexibility for educational institutions.
Provides for implementation of state content standards and assessments subject to legislative approval and permits local school systems to develop and implement content standards in lieu of state standards
Provides relative to the development, review, and adoption of state content standards and related assessments for public school students (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Allows each public school governing authority to determine the education content standards and assessments to be used in the schools under its jurisdiction. (gov sig)
Requires teachers in all public and nonpublic schools participating in the voucher program to take the state assessments aligned with the state content standards
Provides relative to the use of student assessment results for the 2020-2021 school year with respect to school and district accountability, teacher evaluation, and student promotion (Item #42)