Louisiana House Bill HR209

Louisiana 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/10/15
• Passed: 6/11/15

Caption

Requests the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education and the La. Developmental Disabilities Council to study issues relative to high school graduation rates for special education students

Impact

The resolution reflects a commitment to addressing the educational challenges faced by special education students in Louisiana. It seeks to explore potential shortcomings within existing policies, including a prior law aimed at improving graduation rates. The outcome of the proposed study could influence future initiatives and legislation aimed at improving educational outcomes for this student population, particularly through personalized approaches aligned with individual education programs (IEPs).

Summary

House Resolution 209 urges the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, in conjunction with the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council, to study high school graduation rates for special education students in Louisiana. The bill arises from troubling statistics indicating that the state's special education graduation rates were among the lowest in the nation, with only 37% of such students graduating compared to a higher rate for general education students. This disparity has raised concerns about the accessibility and effectiveness of educational policies for special education students in the state.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HR209 appears to be supportive, especially among advocates for special education reforms who acknowledge the need for deeper investigation into existing barriers to graduation. There seems to be a shared recognition among stakeholders that while existing legislation has made strides, further engagement and study are crucial to fully address the complexities of special education. Overall, this collaborative effort is seen as a positive step toward enhanced educational equality.

Contention

Notably, while there is a consensus about the importance of the study, some concern may arise regarding the effectiveness and speed of implementing changes based on its findings. Stakeholders will likely watch closely to ensure that actionable recommendations follow the analysis and that governmental bodies commit to addressing the gaps that leave special education students behind. The resolution calls for a comprehensive assessment, including underlying reasons for low graduation rates and key recommendations for policy shifts, which suggests potential future discussions on educational equity.