Louisiana Senate Bill SR41

Louisiana 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/3/21
• Passed: 5/4/21

Caption

Requests the state superintendent of education to request ESEA waivers regarding school and district accountability and reporting requirements for the 2020-2021 school year.

Impact

The implications of SR41 are significant for education policy in Louisiana. Should the state superintendent request these waivers successfully, it would relieve schools and districts from potentially punitive accountability measures based on flawed data resulting from unprecedented disruptions during the school year. This move aims to protect educators and institutions from repercussions that do not accurately reflect the efforts made in a challenging educational landscape.

Summary

Senate Resolution No. 41 (SR41) requests the state superintendent of education to seek waivers from specific provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) regarding school and district accountability for the 2020-2021 school year. The resolution comes in light of the significant disruptions that have affected students and educators during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as various natural disasters, including hurricanes and winter storms. The resolution emphasizes that the challenges faced in delivering education during this period could result in inaccurate assessments of educational outcomes, which should not carry negative consequences for schools and teachers.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SR41 appears to be largely supportive, as it addresses genuine concerns over the accountability system amidst the ongoing difficulties posed by the pandemic and natural disasters. Legislators recognize the need for flexibility in educational assessments during such extraordinary times, suggesting a collaborative effort to support educational institutions.

Contention

Notably, opposition to the bill could stem from concerns of lowered educational standards or accountability, as some may argue that waivers might prevent necessary evaluations of school performance. However, the resolution focuses on the fairness of evaluating schools under entirely unprecedented circumstances, suggesting that flexibility in accountability during crises should be a priority to ensure educators are not unfairly judged.