Provides for a temporary cessation of the letter grade component of the school and district accountability system (OR NO IMPACT See Note)
Impact
Should HB359 pass, it would significantly alter how schools are evaluated during the specified period by omitting the letter grade for performance, thereby reducing the immediate pressure on schools to attain certain ratings. The legislation arises from a recognition of the complexities involved in measuring school performance, where simplistic grades may not accurately reflect the socio-economic context or growth of individual students. The bill intends to provide a space for reevaluation of the grading system to better reflect school effectiveness without the detrimental effects associated with punitive grading on vulnerable schools.
Summary
House Bill 359 proposes a temporary cessation of the letter grade component within Louisiana's school and district accountability system. Effective from July 1, 2014, through July 1, 2016, the bill mandates that the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) and the Department of Education refrain from assigning letter grades to schools or districts, which are typically based on student performance metrics. This legislative action aims to address concerns regarding how these grades may impact schools disproportionately, particularly those serving high-need populations.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding the bill is largely supportive among educators and advocacy groups who assert that the letter grading system can misrepresent a school's actual performance and unfairly penalize schools with larger populations of at-risk students. Conversely, there may be dissent from some policymakers who believe that eliminating grades could dilute accountability, undermining efforts aimed at ensuring education quality statewide. This division reflects a broader debate regarding accountability measures in education and how they correlate with student success.
Contention
Notable points of contention include how the cessation of letter grades will affect public perception of schools and the methodology behind future evaluations of school performance. Critics may argue that without a grading system, there is less incentive for schools to improve, while supporters contend that focusing on growth and development rather than arbitrary grade assignments will lead to more meaningful educational outcomes. The discussions and votes surrounding HB359 will likely serve as a litmus test for stakeholders invested in the educational accountability narratives within Louisiana.
Delays implementation of a system to assign performance-based letter grades to public schools and school districts. (gov sig) (OR +$2,700 GF EX See Note)
Prohibits assignment of letter grades to schools or school districts or any other implementation of the school and district accountability system for a school year in which there is a declared natural disaster