Louisiana House Bill HCR210

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 recognize certified foreign language immersion sites as models of excellence and award points for performance scores of schools with such sites

Impact

The resolution seeks to enhance the appeal and effectiveness of foreign language immersion programs in schools across Louisiana. By incentivizing schools to become state-certified, this measure aims to ensure that students enrolled in these programs enjoy better education outcomes, as evidence suggests that immersion students tend to perform on par or better than their peers in standardized assessments. This acknowledgment of immersion programs as models of excellence underscores their importance in fostering bilingualism and biliteracy among students, which can bolster the state's economy and cultural communication capabilities.

Summary

HCR210 is a House Concurrent Resolution from the 2015 Regular Session that urges the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) to recognize state-certified foreign language immersion sites as exemplars of bilingual and biliterate education. The resolution proposes that schools with such state-certified programs receive five additional points for their performance scores for every year they maintain this certification. The intent behind this initiative is to promote the advantages of foreign language immersion education in Louisiana, which allows students to gain proficiency in a second language, thereby preparing them for global workforce participation.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HCR210 appears to be positive, as there is a consensus among proponents that foreign language immersion is beneficial for enhancing educational standards and student performance. The resolution was supported unanimously in the Senate, indicating a strong legislative agreement on the necessity of supporting bilingual education initiatives. Legislators expressed optimism that this approach will not only enrich the educational landscape but also contribute significantly to future workforce readiness.

Contention

While the resolution received overwhelming support, it is essential to recognize potential points of contention regarding funding and implementation. The effectiveness of awarding additional performance points relies on clear criteria and a robust certification process. If these criteria are not transparently defined or fairly applied, there may be concerns about disparities in access to quality immersion programs. Additionally, there is a need for continuous evaluation of the outcomes to ensure that these programs genuinely meet the needs of diverse student populations.