Louisiana Senate Bill SB405

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

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

Caption

Provides relative to the La. Competency-Based Education Program. (8/1/14)

Impact

The legislation is expected to have significant implications for the state's education system by reinforcing the importance of standardized assessments that align with state-approved educational benchmarks. By instituting a formal review process involving stakeholders, SB405 promotes accountability and responsiveness to the needs of educators and students alike. This could potentially lead to a more effective assessment framework that better serves the interests of Louisiana's diverse student population.

Summary

Senate Bill 405, introduced by Senator Walsworth, aims to enhance the Louisiana Competency-Based Education Program by mandating the alignment of new assessments with approved state content standards. Specifically, the bill stipulates that the Department of Education must initiate the Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (LEAP) with the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) ensuring the adherence of assessments to these standards. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes that the development of assessments requires input and review from a variety of educational stakeholders, including educators, principals, and superintendents, which aims to foster a more collaborative approach to educational assessment.

Sentiment

Initial sentiment surrounding SB405 appears to be generally supportive within the educational community. Many educators and administrators appreciate the inclusion of stakeholder input in the assessment process, seeing it as an opportunity to develop a more relevant and effective evaluation system. However, there are concerns among some that the emphasis on standardized assessments may overshadow other important aspects of educational quality and student learning, sparking conversations about the balance between accountability and comprehensive education.

Contention

Despite the generally positive reception, points of contention may arise regarding the implementation of the new assessment protocols. Critics may argue that an overreliance on standardized assessments can stifle creativity and flexibility within the classroom while others might raise concerns about the adequacy of resources to support these new requirements. The bill's focus on alignment with state content standards may also prompt debates on whether such standards adequately reflect the diverse needs of students throughout Louisiana.