Louisiana House Bill HB381

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/14
• Refer: 3/10/14

Caption

Creates the Student Standards Commission to develop state standards for required subjects for public school students (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)

Impact

The bill's enactment will significantly reform the approach to developing educational standards in Louisiana. By placing the onus on a commission composed of educational professionals and community representatives, it seeks to enhance local engagement in curriculum development and assessment design. Once established, these standards will provide a framework for what public school students are expected to learn, impacting educational policies and practices throughout the state. Furthermore, the requirement for legislative approval of these standards introduces an additional layer of oversight and accountability, aiming to align educational goals with state legislative priorities.

Summary

House Bill 381 aims to create the Student Standards Commission, which will develop and adopt state standards for required subjects in public schools across Louisiana. The legislation calls for the implementation of these standards by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) but requires legislative approval for their adoption. This bill shifts the responsibility of establishing educational standards from the Department of Education to this newly created commission, emphasizing stakeholder involvement, including educators and parents, to ensure the standards reflect diverse inputs from various educational entities and local communities.

Sentiment

The general sentiment regarding HB 381 appears to be mixed among stakeholders. Supporters believe the bill will lead to more relevant, locally influenced educational standards that can respond to the unique needs of Louisiana students. Critics, however, express concerns about the potential for political interference in educational standards development, fearing that legislative approval could stifle necessary changes that should be based on educational needs rather than political considerations. This debate reflects broader tensions within educational reform about balancing local control and state oversight.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB 381 concerns the repeal of provisions that require assessments in English language arts and math to be based on nationally recognized content standards. This change raises questions about the rigor and comparability of Louisiana's educational assessments relative to national benchmarks, which opponents argue could lead to diminished academic standards. Moreover, the potential delay in implementing any new standards if legislative approval is not secured could hinder timely educational improvements that many advocates believe are urgently needed.