Louisiana House Bill HCR204

Louisiana 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/1/15
• Engrossed: 6/2/15
• Passed: 6/7/15

Caption

Requests the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to study the advantages, disadvantages, quality, and effectiveness of assessments administered to public school students

Impact

One of the primary impacts of HCR204, upon adoption, would be a systematic evaluation of Louisiana's testing program, addressing the pressing questions surrounding assessment practices. The resolution outlines the need to gather evidence on the quality of assessments and their impacts on student learning, particularly focusing on how standardized testing may affect various demographic groups, including economically disadvantaged and minority students. The findings would help shape future legislative decisions and policies aimed at improving educational outcomes for all students.

Summary

HCR204 is a resolution that urges the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education of Louisiana to conduct a comprehensive study of the assessment methods administered to public school students. The resolution highlights concerns over the effectiveness, alignment, and perceived over-testing that affects both students and educational outcomes. It stresses the importance of ensuring that assessments are aligned with state academic standards and serve their intended purpose of measuring academic achievement while maximizing instructional time for teachers and students.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HCR204 seems to be cautiously optimistic, as it seeks to balance the necessity of assessments in maintaining educational standards with the need to alleviate concerns of excessive testing. Proponents view the study as a crucial step towards improving educational practices and ensuring that assessments do not detract from quality teaching, while critics express skepticism regarding the effectiveness of assessments and their implications for student well-being. The discussions are indicative of the broader debate on the role of standardized testing in education today.

Contention

HCR204 encapsulates notable contention among educators, parents, and policymakers about the balance between accountability and the overarching impact of standardized testing. Proponents argue that tests can provide accountability and insights into student performance, while opponents note that testing can lead to curriculum narrowing and heightened stress for students. The resolution calls for inclusive participation from students, parents, and educators in evaluating the current assessment strategies, indicating an effort to consider diverse perspectives in making informed recommendations for potential statutory revisions.