Provides relative to the use of student assessment data for school accountability purposes for the 2016-17 school year for parishes in declared disaster areas. (gov sig)
Impact
The bill modifies existing regulations governing how student assessments are utilized in evaluating school performance. It mandates that the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) must assess and, if necessary, adjust performance calculations for schools in parishes declared as disaster areas. This change can potentially provide relief for schools that may perform poorly due to the impact of disasters rather than reflecting the actual educational quality provided by those institutions.
Summary
Senate Bill 170 addresses the use of student assessment data for school accountability specifically for the 2016-2017 school year, targeting parishes that have experienced declared disasters. The bill allows for specific accommodations in calculating school and district performance scores and letter grades based on the challenges faced by these districts due to disasters. By adjusting the performance metrics, the legislation aims to ensure that schools in affected areas are not unduly penalized for factors outside their control.
Sentiment
The sentiment around SB 170 appears to be largely positive among members of the legislature, as it provides necessary adjustments for areas suffering from the repercussions of disasters. Supporters argue that it is essential to maintain equitable assessment practices so that schools are not unfairly judged based on adverse conditions. There has been unanimous legislative support, as evidenced by the Senate vote of 35-0 in favor of the bill.
Contention
While the bill has been largely supported, some discussions may have involved concerns regarding the implementation and effectiveness of the accommodations provided. The debate could also hinge on how the adjustments will be measured and monitored to ensure accountability is maintained despite the modifications being made for disaster-stricken parishes. It must also address the balance between accountability and fairness in the educational assessment process.
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)
Schools; statewide system of student assessments; directing assessments to be administered to certain private school and homeschool students; effective date; emergency.
Schools; statewide system of student assessments; directing assessments to be administered to certain private school and homeschool students; effective date; emergency.
Relating to the assessment of public school students, public school accountability and actions, and proceedings challenging the operations of the public school system.
Relating to the administration of assessment instruments in public schools, eliminating the requirement to use public school assessment instruments as a criterion for promotion or graduation, and the temporary suspension of certain accountability determinations for a school district or campus in a school year in which the operations of the district or campus are disrupted as a result of a declared disaster.
Relating to the use of interim testing and adaptive, growth-based assessment instruments for certain required assessments of public school students and prohibiting the use of the results of certain required assessments of public school students for certain purposes.
Provides relative to student assessment and school accountability with respect to the Louisiana Giving All True Opportunity to Rise (LA GATOR) Scholarship Program (OR NO IMPACT See Note)