Louisiana House Bill HB673

Louisiana 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/4/16
• Refer: 3/4/16
• Refer: 3/14/16

Caption

Provides for considerations of the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education in its authorization of course choice providers

Impact

This bill aims to strengthen the standards for course providers within the Course Choice Program. By mandating that BESE evaluates whether proposed providers not only have potential but a substantial likelihood of meeting educational requirements, the law seeks to elevate the overall quality and relevance of education available to elementary and secondary students in Louisiana. Should the bill pass, it is expected to unify and potentially enhance the educational landscape within the state, affording students a more robust selection of learning opportunities that are aligned with state educational goals.

Summary

House Bill 673 seeks to amend existing legislation related to the Course Choice Program in Louisiana. Specifically, it revises the criteria that the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) must consider when authorizing course providers. The amendment focuses on enhancing the evaluation process for potential course providers, requiring BESE to determine whether these providers have a substantial likelihood of meeting educational standards and fulfilling the program's intended purposes. This reform is positioned to ensure that students have access to high-quality educational courses, whether online or in-person, thereby diversifying educational offerings at the state level.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 673 appears to be predominantly positive among educational stakeholders who advocate for higher standards in educational offerings. Proponents argue that this bill represents a necessary evolution in how educational services are evaluated and approved, fostering improved educational outcomes for students. However, there may be some contention from those who view increased regulation as potentially burdensome for new course providers, fearing it could limit the diversity of available courses if too few providers are ultimately authorized.

Contention

One notable point of contention involves the balance between ensuring quality and providing access to a wide variety of educational options. Critics may raise concerns that the stricter criteria could inadvertently exclude innovative or non-traditional course providers who may not meet the heightened thresholds but still offer valuable educational experiences. The bill's success will depend on the implementation of these criteria and how they influence the landscape of course offerings available to students.