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) (OR INCREASE LF EX See Note)
Impact
The implications of SB73 are significant for state law regarding education governance. It is designed to shift the decision-making power from state authorities to local school boards and communities, allowing for a more customized educational experience. If passed, it could lead to a diverse range of educational standards across the state, which some see as an empowerment of local governance while others warn could lead to inconsistencies in educational quality.
Summary
Senate Bill 73, introduced by Senator Milkovich, seeks to enhance local control over education by allowing each public school governing authority in Louisiana to establish its own content standards and assessments. This bill effectively removes the mandate from the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) that requires schools to implement commonly adopted standards, including the controversial common core state standards. By providing schools the autonomy to adopt content standards they believe best serve their students, SB73 aims to tailor education to the unique needs of different communities.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB73 is mixed. Supporters argue that the bill champions local control and acknowledges the varying educational needs of students across different districts. They believe it will foster innovation and responsiveness within schools, enabling them to act in ways that are best for their respective communities. Conversely, critics express concern that this decentralization could undermine accountability and result in a fragmented education system, making it challenging to ensure all students receive a high-quality education.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the potential impact on accountability measures within the state's education system. While SB73 stipulates that schools that choose not to implement state standards will not face negative consequences with respect to accountability, teacher evaluations, and pupil progression, critics question whether this could lead to a decline in educational outcomes. The debate continues on whether local school boards can adequately handle the responsibilities placed upon them while maintaining high educational standards.
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) (OR INCREASE LF 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)
Provides for the Educational Excellence for Louisiana Commission to develop content and performance standards, curriculum, and assessments for elementary and secondary education. (gov sig) (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)
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 relative to the development, review, and adoption of state content standards and related assessments for public school students (OR INCREASE 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)
Requires each public school governing authority to post on its website information relative to instructional materials and activities for each school under its jurisdiction (OR INCREASE EX See Note)