Requires that schools utilize a nationally normed assessment instead of the LEAP test for purposes of school and district accountability. (gov sig) (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Impact
The bill will have significant implications on state laws governing educational performance measures. With the establishment of a Nationally Normed Assessment Task Force, the state will undertake a rigorous review to identify the best assessment for Louisiana's needs. This shift from a state-specific test to a standardized national assessment is designed to ensure that schools are held to consistent performance standards and can be more directly evaluated against national benchmarks. It is anticipated that this would not only affect school accountability measures but also have broader impacts on curriculum and instructional strategies within Louisiana's school systems.
Summary
Senate Bill 105 seeks to amend Louisiana's educational accountability system by replacing the current Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (LEAP) testing with a nationally normed assessment, starting in the 2026-2027 academic year. The bill emphasizes the need for a reliable method of assessing educational quality and ensuring that students receive a foundational education necessary for their future. The introduction of a nationally recognized assessment aims to align state evaluations more closely with national standards, offering a more comprehensive view of student performance across schools and districts.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB 105 appears largely supportive among educational stakeholders who advocate for enhanced accountability measures and improved assessment tools. Proponents argue that implementing a nationally normed assessment will lead to better educational outcomes by allowing for a more uniform measure of student achievement. However, there may be concerns from various segments regarding the potential disruption caused by transitioning away from the LEAP test, particularly among educators and administrators accustomed to existing frameworks.
Contention
One notable point of contention involves the role and responsibilities of the newly established task force. Critics may question how effectively this group can select an appropriate assessment tool amidst the varied interests of educational professionals and policymakers. Additionally, there may be concerns about logistical challenges and the adequacy of funding required for the transition to a new assessment system. Ensuring that all schools are adequately prepared for this change by the designated start date is another challenge that could spark debate among lawmakers and education advocates.
Creates the Louisiana Giving All True Opportunity to Rise (LA GATOR) Scholarship Program to provide educational savings accounts for parental choice in K-12 education. (gov sig) (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Creates and provides for a program to provide state funding for the education of students with exceptionalities not enrolled in public school (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Creates and provides for a program to provide state funding for the education of students with exceptionalities not enrolled in public school (RE INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Creates and provides for a program to provide state funding for the education of students not enrolled in public school and expands the ability of parents to enroll children in the public school of their choice (RR INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Creates and provides for a program to provide state funding for the education of certain students who have been victims of bullying and are not enrolled in public school (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Requires the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) to measure the compliance of public schools and school districts with state laws and BESE policies and to assign and publish letter grades indicative of such compliance (OR +$1,525,177 GF EX See Note)
Provides relative to the governance and funding of the Special School District, which provides special education services through its schools and programs (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)