Requires BESE to award points to the school performance score of a school that offers certain programs. (gov sig)
Impact
The enactment of SB 233 is expected to significantly affect state laws regarding school accountability and performance evaluation. By incentivizing schools to offer foreign language programs, the bill could lead to a more robust curriculum that prioritizes language acquisition alongside other academic subjects. This may result in enhanced student outcomes, particularly in cognitive and communicative abilities, thereby elevating Louisiana's educational standards. Additionally, schools may be motivated to innovate and expand their program offerings in order to improve their performance scores.
Summary
Senate Bill 233 introduces provisions to enhance the school accountability system in Louisiana by allowing points to be awarded to schools that establish or maintain foreign language immersion programs. Starting from the 2018-2019 school year, schools with such programs will receive recognition in the form of performance score points, as determined by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE). This initiative aims to promote bilingual education within the state's educational framework, aligning with broader educational goals of improving language proficiency among students.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding this bill has been largely positive, as it is viewed as a progressive step towards enriching educational diversity and competency in Louisiana schools. Supporters see it as an important move to prepare students for a globalized society, where multilingual skills are increasingly valuable. However, it is important to note that while the reception has generally been favorable among education advocates, there are some concerns regarding the resources required for schools to implement these programs effectively and equitably across districts.
Contention
Despite the overall support, notable concerns have been raised regarding the practical implementation of the bill. Challenges include ensuring that all schools, particularly those in underserved areas, have the necessary resources and trained staff to launch high-quality foreign language immersion programs. Critics argue that without adequate funding and support, the initiative may exacerbate existing inequities in educational access. Furthermore, there may be debates about how the performance points awarded will be quantified and the potential pressure it creates for schools to focus solely on immersion programs at the expense of other important education areas.
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)
Requires schools to use a 10-point grading scale to assign grades used in the calculation of the minimum grade point average required for initial award eligibility (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
Lowers the ACT score required for initial qualification for a Taylor Opportunity Program for Students award for students who complete approved home study programs (EN +$172,184 SG EX See Note)
Adds the Excellence award level for students who score 31 or higher on the ACT and allows award qualification based on the Classic Learning Test (EN +$3,012,092 SG EX See Note)
Provides that public school boards may adopt a policy to authorize released time for K-12 public school students, subject to parental approval. (gov sig) (EN SEE FISC NOTE SG RV)