Establishes the Commission on Assessment Review and Use in Public Schools
Impact
By creating this commission, HR166 aims to promote a more cohesive and effective framework for assessments in Louisiana public schools. Its findings are expected to highlight the degree of overlap between local, state, and national assessments, ultimately leading to recommendations that can optimize testing schedules and protocols. The commission will also make suggestions for the development of assessments that are appropriate for younger students, thereby potentially influencing the structure of future educational assessments and policies in Louisiana.
Summary
House Resolution 166 (HR166) establishes the Commission on Assessment Review and Use in Public Schools in Louisiana. This commission is tasked with reviewing the various student assessments conducted within the state, assessing their effectiveness, efficiency, and the time allocated to these assessments in relation to instructional time. With an intent to enhance educational outcomes, the commission will investigate whether the existing assessments contribute to meaningful instructional improvement or lead to unnecessary duplication.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HR166 seems to lean towards optimism regarding improving the efficiency of student assessments. Educators and policymakers generally see the establishment of the commission as a positive step toward addressing concerns related to assessment practices. However, potential opponents may question whether the commission's recommendations will lead to substantial changes in current practices or merely serve as a bureaucratic exercise without real improvements to student learning outcomes.
Contention
Notably, one point of contention could arise regarding the commission’s ability to address the specific needs of diverse student populations and the varying objectives of assessments. There may also be debate over how deeply the recommendations will impact current practices, particularly considering different stakeholders in the education system, such as local educators, school administrators, and parents, who may have differing views on the necessity and implementation of assessments.
Allows each public school governing authority to determine the education content standards and assessments to be used in the schools under its jurisdiction. (gov sig) (OR INCREASE LF EX See Note)
Provides relative to the development, review, and adoption of state content standards and related assessments for public school students (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Provides for the Educational Excellence for Louisiana Commission to develop content and performance standards, curriculum, and assessments for elementary and secondary education. (gov sig) (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Requires teachers in all public schools and in nonpublic schools participating in the voucher program to take the state assessments aligned to the Common Core State Standards prior to administering such assessments to students
Provides for residency requirements for TOPS recipients and for repayment of a TOPS award under certain circumstances. (gov sig) (OR +$213,000 GF EX See Note)
Urges and requests the La. Housing Corporation to consider emergency preparedness and disaster resiliency characteristics when implementing design criteria for housing developments competing for funding in programs administered by the corporation office and to explore sources of federal funds to retrofit existing buildings with these same design criteria