Louisiana Senate Bill SB73

Louisiana 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/28/17
• Refer: 3/28/17
• Refer: 4/10/17

Caption

Allows each public school governing authority to determine the education content standards and assessments to be used in the schools under its jurisdiction. (gov sig) (OR INCREASE LF EX See Note)

Impact

The implications of SB73 are significant for state law regarding education governance. It is designed to shift the decision-making power from state authorities to local school boards and communities, allowing for a more customized educational experience. If passed, it could lead to a diverse range of educational standards across the state, which some see as an empowerment of local governance while others warn could lead to inconsistencies in educational quality.

Summary

Senate Bill 73, introduced by Senator Milkovich, seeks to enhance local control over education by allowing each public school governing authority in Louisiana to establish its own content standards and assessments. This bill effectively removes the mandate from the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) that requires schools to implement commonly adopted standards, including the controversial common core state standards. By providing schools the autonomy to adopt content standards they believe best serve their students, SB73 aims to tailor education to the unique needs of different communities.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB73 is mixed. Supporters argue that the bill champions local control and acknowledges the varying educational needs of students across different districts. They believe it will foster innovation and responsiveness within schools, enabling them to act in ways that are best for their respective communities. Conversely, critics express concern that this decentralization could undermine accountability and result in a fragmented education system, making it challenging to ensure all students receive a high-quality education.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential impact on accountability measures within the state's education system. While SB73 stipulates that schools that choose not to implement state standards will not face negative consequences with respect to accountability, teacher evaluations, and pupil progression, critics question whether this could lead to a decline in educational outcomes. The debate continues on whether local school boards can adequately handle the responsibilities placed upon them while maintaining high educational standards.