Provides that certain educator provider programs are not proprietary schools and thus not subject to licensing by the Board of Regents
Impact
The enactment of HB 178 could significantly alter the landscape of educational training in Louisiana. By relaxing licensing requirements for educator preparation programs, the bill may encourage more institutions to offer training without the burden of extensive regulations. This could potentially lead to an increase in the number of qualified teachers entering the workforce. However, the bill could also raise concerns about the quality and standards of preparation that new educators receive, as fewer regulatory requirements might mean less oversight on the efficacy of these programs.
Summary
House Bill 178 aims to amend the definition of proprietary schools in Louisiana by excluding certain educator preparation programs from this classification. As proposed, these educator preparation programs would not be subject to licensing by the Louisiana Board of Regents, thereby limiting the regulatory oversight typically required for proprietary schools. This change is intended to provide greater flexibility for institutions that offer programs to train educators, which some proponents argue will facilitate the growth of qualified teachers in the state.
Sentiment
Sentiment around HB 178 tends to be cautiously optimistic among its supporters, who believe that loosening restrictions will enhance the availability of educator preparation programs. On the other hand, some educational advocates express reservations about the implications for teacher quality and student outcomes. They fear that without the structure and guidelines that licensing provides, there could be a proliferation of substandard programs that may ultimately harm educational effectiveness in Louisiana.
Contention
Key points of contention surrounding HB 178 center on the balance between increasing access to educator preparation and maintaining rigorous quality standards. Opponents worry that circumventing licensing requirements could dilute the competencies expected from educators, potentially putting students at risk of receiving subpar instruction. Supporters argue that this legislation is a necessary step to address teacher shortages in the state and foster a more diverse range of educational offerings. The debate underscores the ongoing challenges of ensuring quality while promoting accessibility in teacher education.
Requests the Board of Regents to study certain issues relative to yoga teacher training and the licensing of facilities that offer such training as proprietary schools
Excludes a school or business which offers yoga teacher training from the definition of a proprietary school for purposes of licensing by the Bd. of Regents
Permits, for purposes of certain skill or occupational training, use of a TOPS Opportunity, Performance, or Honors award at certain schools having a certificate of registration issued by the Bd. of Cosmetology and proprietary schools licensed by the Bd. of Regents (EN -$34,248 GF EX See Note)
Terminates approval of home study programs by the State Board. of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), provides for the enrollment of students in homeschools, and provides for one-time notification to BESE upon such enrollment (EG INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Provides relative to the Student Scholarships for Educational Excellence Program, parent petitions for certain schools to be transferred to the RSD, charter school authorizers, and course providers (EN INCREASE LF EX See Note)
Provides relative to the La. Granting Resources and Autonomy for Diplomas Act, including additional operational autonomies to be granted to public postsecondary education institutions and reporting requirements for such institutions and the Board of Regents (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)
Provides relative to school choice, including the Student Scholarships for Educational Excellence Program, parent petitions to transfer certain schools to be RSD, charter school authorizers, and course providers. (gov sig) (EG INCREASE LF EX See Note)