The original instrument was prepared by Cheryl Serrett. The following digest, which
does not constitute a part of the legislative instrument, was prepared by LG Sullivan.
DIGEST
SB 163 Engrossed 2023 Regular Session Hewitt
Proposed law requires each public school teacher who teaches fourth through eighth grade
mathematics to successfully complete a foundational numeracy skills professional development
course that is approved by the state Department of Education (LDOE). Specify that the required
numeracy skills training shall be presented during the educator's work day, but not during the
statutorily guaranteed planning period.
Proposed law requires, not later than March 1, 2024, the LDOE to develop a list of approved
professional development courses.
Proposed law requires, by August 1, 2025, each teacher to successfully complete at least one of the
approved professional development courses and provide documentation of the successful completion
to the employing school. Further provides that teachers who provide documentation of completion
of an approved program within five years prior to August 1, 2025, will be considered in compliance.
Proposed law requires each newly hired teacher to document successful completion of an approved
program to the employing school within two years of the date of employment.
Proposed law requires, beginning May 1, 2026, and annually thereafter, that each city, parish, or
other local school board report to LDOE the number and percentage of teachers who have
successfully completed an approved course. Further requires the data to be reported on LDOE's
school progress profiles.
Proposed law requires the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to adopt rules in
accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act to implement the provisions of proposed law.
Present law provides for public charter schools and provides for requirements for those schools.
Proposed law requires public charter schools to comply with provisions of proposed law.
Proposed law provides that the effectiveness of the provisions of proposed law is subject to the
designation and allocation of funds by the LDOE and that no state or obligated federal funds shall
be used to implement proposed law.
Proposed law provides that nothing in proposed law shall be construed to extend the hours in the
teacher's work day nor the hours to be worked in a year.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action. (Adds R.S. 17:24.13 and 3996(B)(75))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Education to the original bill
1. Specify that the required numeracy skills training shall be presented during the
educator's work day, but not during the statutorily guaranteed planning period.
2. Provide that nothing in proposed law shall be construed to extend the hours in the
teacher's work day nor the hours to be worked in a year.