Louisiana Senate Bill SB52

Louisiana 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/25/19
• Refer: 3/25/19
• Refer: 4/8/19

Caption

Provides relative to the review of textbooks and other instructional materials.

Impact

The bill proposes that textbooks and instructional materials reviewed by public school governing authorities and meeting state content standards will be given equal consideration by the Department of Education (DOE) in determining eligibility for state and federal funding. This change is expected to expand the range of approved educational materials available to schools, which may lead to increased diversity in learning resources and potentially offer more relevant options tailored to local needs.

Summary

Senate Bill 52, proposed by Senator Morrish, seeks to amend existing laws concerning the review and adoption of textbooks and instructional materials used in public elementary and secondary education in Louisiana. Under current law, the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) is responsible for the adoption process and must ensure that materials align with defined content standards. This bill aims to enhance the authority of local school governing bodies by allowing them to establish review committees and criteria specifically designed to evaluate materials that have not gone through the state review process.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 52 appears to be cautiously optimistic among supporters who view it as a move towards empowering local governance in educational matters. However, there are concerns regarding the potential implications for uniformity in the educational standards maintained at the state level. Advocates believe that local authorities will better understand their specific educational requirements, while skeptics worry about maintaining consistency and quality across educational materials statewide.

Contention

A notable point of contention arises from the balance of power between the state and local educational authorities. While the bill allows for local review processes, opponents argue that it could undermine the established state standards and lead to a divergence in educational quality. There exists a fear that some local governing bodies may prioritize less rigorous materials to fit local preferences, which could ultimately affect the educational outcomes for students across Louisiana.