Louisiana House Bill HR54

Louisiana 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/3/21
• Passed: 5/5/21

Caption

Urges the state superintendent to request school and district performance score waivers from the U.S. Department of Education for the 2020-2021 school year

Impact

If HR54 is enacted, it would directly influence how schools and districts in Louisiana are evaluated during the pandemic-affected school year. By requesting accountability waivers, the state aims to prevent schools from facing penalties based on inaccurate performance data resulting from the varying levels of instructional delivery students received. The resolution acknowledges that many students experienced inconsistent education, which could skew traditional performance metrics.

Summary

House Resolution 54 (HR54) urges the state superintendent of education to seek waivers from the U.S. Department of Education concerning accountability and reporting requirements for the 2020-2021 school year. This resolution is a response to the significant disruptions in education caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent natural disasters that affected Louisiana schools during that period. It highlights the need for flexibility in measuring educational outcomes, arguing that the unusual circumstances could lead to misleading performance assessments.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR54 appears overwhelmingly supportive, as evidenced by the unanimous 93-0 vote in the House. There is a strong consensus among lawmakers that the educational disruptions warranted a reevaluation of standard accountability measures that may not accurately reflect actual student achievement or school performance. This positive sentiment aligns with the broader context of education adapting to unforeseen challenges.

Contention

While HR54 received strong support, it raises questions about the long-term implications of educational accountability measures in response to crises. Some stakeholders may argue that waiving accountability could undermine the urgency for schools to improve, especially for underperforming districts. However, proponents stress that under the unusual circumstances of the school year, it would be unjust to impose negative consequences based on performance evaluations that do not accurately capture the reality faced by students and educators.