Louisiana Senate Bill SR68

Louisiana 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/5/21
• Passed: 5/6/21

Caption

Commends the dedicated work of the Center for Development and Learning and recognizes May 6, 2021, as Literacy Day at the state capitol.

Impact

The resolution acknowledges the economic implications of poor literacy rates, pointing out that Louisiana spends over $270 million annually to help students who are behind grade level in reading. This financial burden illustrates the broader societal consequences of inadequate literacy skills, impacting not only educational outcomes but also the state's economy. In bringing the conversation to the forefront, the resolution aims to inspire legislative and educational reforms to address literacy issues effectively.

Summary

Senate Resolution 68 commends the significant efforts of the Center for Development and Learning in Louisiana, recognizing May 6, 2021, as Literacy Day at the state capitol. The resolution underscores the alarming statistic that 74% of Louisiana's fourth-grade students do not read proficiently, highlighting the importance of literacy as a foundational skill that directly influences academic success. With the backdrop of widespread literacy challenges, this resolution aims to draw attention to the existing crisis and promote initiatives for improvement.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SR68 is positive, as it recognizes and commends the dedicated work of an organization focused on improving literacy in Louisiana. By honoring Literacy Day, the resolution advocates the necessity of enhancing reading proficiency among students, particularly those at risk. While there is clear bipartisan acknowledgment of the problem, continued efforts and support will be necessary to engineer meaningful changes in educational practices and public policy.

Contention

Though the resolution itself is largely a commendation, the issues surrounding literacy can lead to contentions regarding the methods used for remediation and prevention strategies. The resolution refers to the challenges posed by dyslexia affecting approximately 20% of the population. Initiatives to improve reading proficiency may lead to discussions on resource allocation, teacher training, and program effectiveness. As a result, addressing these literacy challenges is a multi-faceted issue that would require collaborative efforts across various stakeholders including educators, policymakers, and community organizations.