Louisiana House Bill HR9

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/20/12
• Refer: 3/21/12
• Report Pass: 4/11/12
• Passed: 4/23/12

Caption

Requests that the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), in collaboration with the La. Serve Commission, study the feasibility of establishing a "distinction for community service" diploma endorsement

Impact

If implemented, HR9 would potentially lead to changes in state educational policies regarding the recognition of community service. The endorsement program could create a structured method to document and verify community service efforts, establishing a framework for encouraging students to participate more actively in civic activities. This initiative aligns with educational goals of fostering civic responsibility and social awareness among young people, contributing to stronger community ties and civic participation.

Summary

House Resolution No. 9 (HR9) urges and requests the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) to study the feasibility of establishing a 'distinction for community service' endorsement program for high school students in Louisiana. The proposed endorsement would recognize students who complete significant community service hours and would allow these contributions to be noted on diplomas and transcripts, as well as acknowledged during graduation ceremonies. The initiative aims to enhance civic engagement among youth while rewarding their service to the community.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR9 appears to be generally positive, with advocacy for the importance of recognizing community service in educational settings. Proponents of the bill argue that acknowledging students' contributions to their communities can enhance their academic profiles and instill a sense of civic duty. However, discussions may also highlight concerns regarding resource allocation for tracking and rewarding such service, along with debates on the level of emphasis placed on community service as part of the high school experience.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the logistics of establishing such an endorsement program, including how service hours would be tracked and verified. Opponents could question the feasibility of implementing a standardized system across various schools and the impact this could have on existing graduation requirements. Additionally, there might be discussions regarding whether the program could inadvertently place undue pressure on students to meet specified service hour requirements, thus raising concerns about the voluntary nature of participation in community service.