Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

Louisiana House Bill HB359

Introduced
3/10/14  
Introduced
3/10/14  

Caption

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.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

LA HB423

Provides for a temporary cessation of the letter grade component of the school and district accountability system

LA SB35

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)

LA HB466

Provides relative to the assignment of performance-based letter grades to public schools and school districts (EG SEE FISC NOTE EX)

LA HB272

Requires BESE to develop a letter grade system for alternative schools (OR NO IMPACT EX See Note)

LA SB201

Delays implementation of a system to assign performance-based letter grades to public schools and school districts. (gov sig)

LA HB545

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

LA HB598

Provides relative to performance-based scores and letter grades assigned to public schools and school districts

LA HB925

Provides relative to school and district accountability in elementary and secondary education (EN NO IMPACT EX See Note)

LA HB1075

Provides relative to school district letter grades

LA HB325

Provides relative to the administration of certain tests with respect to the school and district accountability system (OR SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)

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