Louisiana House Bill HR94

Louisiana 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/4/17
• Refer: 5/8/17
• Report Pass: 5/17/17
• Passed: 6/4/17

Caption

Requests the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop a process for approval of online courses offered to students

Impact

If implemented, HR94 would institutionalize a process whereby online courses could be evaluated against established educational standards, which is expected to strengthen the state's commitment to providing equitable educational opportunities. The requirement for consistency in course quality aims to integrate online learning seamlessly into the existing educational framework. This initiative aligns with the broader goals of the state to elevate education standards and adapt to modern learning needs, addressing gaps in traditional educational settings.

Summary

House Resolution 94 encourages the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop a process for approving online courses for K-12 students, emphasizing the need for standard-setting similar to the existing Course Choice Program. The resolution recognizes diverse educational needs and the potential for online instruction to enhance access and quality in education, particularly for students in historically low-performing public schools. By establishing this system, it aims to ensure that all Louisiana students can benefit from quality educational resources regardless of their geographic limitations or financial constraints.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HR94 appears supportive, with lawmakers recognizing the benefits of online education in providing personalized and accessible learning options. There appears to be a shared understanding of the importance of maintaining quality through standardized approvals for online content. Nevertheless, there may also be concerns regarding how effectively these standards will be applied and enforced, particularly among critics who fear that the rapid expansion of online learning could compromise educational rigor if not properly managed.

Contention

While the resolution seems to have garnered broad support among legislators, potential points of contention could arise regarding the execution of the approval process. Questions may surface about the criteria used for evaluating online courses, the resources allocated to implement and oversee this initiative, and the timeline for reporting on its progress. The interaction between state education oversight and individual educational provider autonomy will be crucial in determining the effectiveness of the proposed online course standards.