Louisiana House Bill HB266

Louisiana 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/27/19
• Refer: 3/27/19
• Refer: 4/8/19
• Report Pass: 5/15/19
• Engrossed: 5/22/19
• Refer: 5/23/19
• Report Pass: 5/31/19
• Enrolled: 6/4/19
• Chaptered: 6/20/19
• Passed: 6/20/19

Caption

Provides relative to remediation programs and requirements for pupil progression (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX See Note)

Impact

The bill's passage is expected to have significant ramifications for state educational policies surrounding student promotion and remediation. By removing mandated summer school programs, the bill offers local districts more flexibility in deciding how they address students who do not meet required achievement levels. Additionally, the requirement for pupil progression plans to be publicly available aims to enhance transparency and involvement of parents in their children's education. Critics argue that this may lead to a lack of standardized support for struggling students if school boards are allowed too much autonomy.

Summary

House Bill 266 seeks to amend and reenact provisions related to pupil progression and remediation programs within the Louisiana education system. The bill specifically repeals certain requirements for summer school remediation programs while mandating that pupil progression plans must now be publicly available. Furthermore, it allows local school boards to establish policies that determine student promotion based on individual assessments and input from parents, emphasizing a more individualized approach to education. This shift is aimed at supporting students who struggle with core competencies as assessed by state-mandated evaluations.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 266 has shown a mix of support and concern. Proponents view it as a progressive step towards allowing schools to cater more effectively to individual student needs, potentially improving educational outcomes for those requiring additional assistance. On the other hand, there are apprehensions regarding the potential for inconsistency across districts in meeting educational standards, which may affect students' opportunities and success rates. This dichotomy reveals a larger debate about the balance between state oversight and local control in education.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the removal of the summer remediation requirement, with some critics positing that this could lead to fewer educational opportunities for at-risk students. There's a fear that without mandated summer programs, districts might neglect urgent educational interventions in favor of cost-saving measures. Additionally, the bill's emphasis on parental involvement through committee participation in school boards has raised questions regarding equity, as not all parents may have the resources to engage actively, potentially impacting the effectiveness of their voices in educational policy.