Louisiana Senate Bill SB45

Louisiana 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/18
• Refer: 2/21/18
• Refer: 3/12/18

Caption

Provides relative to the La. Competency-Based Education Program and the La. Education Assessment Program (LEAP) tests. (gov sig)

Impact

The adjustments proposed in SB 45 are poised to influence state education laws significantly by emphasizing the need for content standards that align with national benchmarks. This is intended to ensure that the assessments not only reflect local educational priorities but also adequately prepare students for postsecondary education and the workforce. The bill retains the core elements of existing law while refining the execution aspects, indicating a proactive approach to educational accountability and student readiness.

Summary

Senate Bill 45, introduced by Senator Appel, focuses on the Louisiana Competency-Based Education Program and the Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (LEAP) tests. The bill aims to amend current provisions to enhance the implementation and administration of the LEAP assessments, which evaluate students in key subjects including English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. The proposed changes indicate a shift in the responsibility for the implementation of standards-based assessments from the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to the Department of Education, indicating a potential streamlining of processes related to educational assessments.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding SB 45 appears to be positive among supporters who believe that clearer directives and streamlined implementation will enhance the effectiveness of educational assessments. Advocates point to the importance of having rigorous standards that reflect students' capabilities while transitioning to future academic challenges. However, there may also be concerns regarding the effectiveness of the Department of Education versus the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education in carrying out these assessments, reflecting a nuanced debate within the educational community.

Contention

A notable point of contention may arise from the shift in administrative responsibilities from the State Board to the Department of Education. Critics might question whether this change will lead to improvements in educational outcomes or whether it represents a centralization of authority that could limit local input in educational assessments. The ongoing dialogue among stakeholders suggests a careful examination of how these adjustments will play out in practice, particularly in terms of their impact on teacher workload and student performance metrics.