Louisiana Senate Bill SB221

Louisiana 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/20
• Refer: 2/27/20
• Refer: 3/9/20

Caption

Provides relative to the Louisiana Competency-Based Education Program. (gov sig)

Impact

The proposed changes under SB 221 will have significant implications for how public elementary and secondary schools in Louisiana develop and administer their curriculum and assessments. By centralizing the authority over content standards and assessments within the state Department of Education, the bill may streamline decision-making processes and enhance consistency in educational quality across the state. This may also facilitate better alignment with postsecondary education and workforce readiness, a core goal highlighted in the bill's provisions.

Summary

Senate Bill 221 seeks to enhance the Louisiana Competency-Based Education Program by refining the state's educational standards and assessment processes. This bill updates the provisions governing the development, implementation, and administration of educational assessments, and shifts certain responsibilities from the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) to the state Department of Education. By doing this, the bill aims to ensure that educational standards are robust and aligned with national expectations for student achievement.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding SB 221 is cautiously optimistic among supporters, including educators and school administrators who believe that these changes will lead to improved educational outcomes. However, there are concerns from some stakeholders about the potential loss of local control over curriculum choices, which could lead to a one-size-fits-all approach that may not meet the diverse needs of all students across Louisiana's varying school districts.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the bill's focus on removing outdated provisions related to the curriculum framework and the transfer of authority from BESE to the state Department of Education. Critics argue that this shift may undermine the input from local educators and communities in shaping educational standards, leading to potential discontent among those who value local governance in education. The ongoing debate emphasizes the need to balance state oversight with local flexibility to cater to the unique educational needs of different regions.