Amends the student growth component in the evaluation of teachers and administrators
Impact
The proposed changes in HB 391 would impact how educational outcomes are assessed at a state level, particularly in regard to teacher performance evaluations. By excluding data from students who are frequently absent, the state aims to create a more equitable evaluation framework that acknowledges the challenges teachers face when students are not present. This approach may lead to a fairer assessment of educators' effectiveness and may encourage a focus on improving student attendance and support for at-risk populations.
Summary
House Bill 391 aims to amend Louisiana's legislation concerning the evaluation of teachers and administrators by specifically prohibiting the inclusion of test scores and data for certain students in the value-added assessment model. The bill highlights a significant shift in how student achievement is measured in evaluations, focusing on ensuring that absenteeism does not unfairly affect teachers' evaluations. Under this bill, students with ten or more unexcused absences in a semester would have their test scores excluded from the evaluation process, which presents a notable change designed to address inequities in student attendance and engagement.
Sentiment
Support for HB 391 appears to stem from educators and advocates who believe that current evaluation systems unfairly penalize teachers for factors beyond their control, such as a student's absenteeism. Conversely, some critics may argue that excluding attendance-related data could obscure the true performance of both students and teachers, potentially diminishing accountability measures. Overall, the sentiment around the bill reflects a striving for fairness in educational assessments while grappling with complexities surrounding student engagement.
Contention
One of the central points of contention surrounding HB 391 is the balance between maintaining rigorous accountability standards and recognizing the realities of student attendance challenges. While supporters advocate for measures that protect teachers from being held responsible for absenteeism, opponents might raise concerns that these adjustments could reduce overall educational standards and accountability. The discussions highlight a broader debate about the metrics used to evaluate educational success and the best methods to support both teachers and students within the state.
Exempts students who attain certain scores on the English and math sections of the ACT from end-of-course testing and allows career diploma students to take WorkKeys or the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery in lieu of the ACT
Prohibits promotion to the fourth grade of certain students whose reading deficiencies have not been remedied by the end of the third grade (EN INCREASE LF EX See Note)
Terminates approval of home study programs by the State Board. of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), provides for the enrollment of students in homeschools, and provides for one-time notification to BESE upon such enrollment (EG INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Removes requirements that charter schools meet a certain threshold with respect to the number of students with exceptionalities and economically disadvantaged students relative to its total student enrollment
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)