Exempts students who attain certain scores on the English and math sections of the ACT from end-of-course testing and allows career diploma students to take WorkKeys or the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery in lieu of the ACT
Impact
The proposed changes under HB 762 aim to address concerns about the educational requirements placed on students on career tracks. By allowing alternatives to the ACT, the bill recognizes diverse pathways to student achievement and aims to reduce testing pressure. The legislation also seeks to create an equitable assessment system, where students' highest scores across different tests can be utilized for accountability measures, supporting the idea that multiple assessments can provide a more holistic view of student capabilities.
Summary
House Bill 762 amends existing education laws in Louisiana, particularly concerning student assessments for those pursuing diplomas. One significant change is the removal of the requirement for students seeking a career diploma to take the ACT. Instead, these students are now authorized to take either the WorkKeys test or the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, allowing for a broader range of assessments tailored to different career paths. Furthermore, the bill mandates the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop a system equating scores from these tests to ensure consistency in school and district accountability systems.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HB 762 appears to be generally positive among advocates of educational reform and those who support varied assessment methods. Proponents argue that the bill is a progressive step in recognizing that not all students thrive under traditional testing measures, as represented by the current focus on the ACT. However, some concerns may exist regarding the adequacy of alternative assessments, with critics questioning whether they are equivalent in measuring student readiness.
Contention
While the bill seems to be largely supported, points of contention may arise around the effectiveness and implementation of the new testing options. Questions remain about how well the WorkKeys test and the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery will provide valid assessments for career-bound students, and whether these assessments will be perceived as less rigorous or valuable compared to the ACT. Additionally, the logistics of developing a system of equivalent scores presents challenges that could affect schools' preparedness for the proposed changes by the 2025-2026 school year.
Creates and provides for a program to provide state funding for the education of students not enrolled in public school and expands the ability of parents to enroll children in the public school of their choice (RR INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Prohibits promotion to the fourth grade of certain students whose reading deficiencies have not been remedied by the end of the third grade (EN INCREASE LF EX See Note)
Creates and provides for a program to provide state funding for the education of students with exceptionalities not enrolled in public school (RE INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Requests that the Board of Regents conduct a study relative to the state's articulation and transfer process with respect to high school students who complete career and technical education courses and earn industry-based credentials
Requires that communication issued about immunization requirements include exemption information and applies exemptions not only to students seeking to enter school but also to students attending school
Requests the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, in collaboration with the state Department of Education, to develop a policy relative to the issuance of posthumous high school diplomas to deceased high school students