Requests the Board of Regents and the postsecondary education management boards to adopt a flexible and holistic admissions policy for summer and fall 2020 semesters due to COVID-19.
Impact
Should the resolution be adopted, it will modify admission standards across Louisiana's postsecondary educational institutions. By encouraging boards to embrace flexibility, the resolution aims to alleviate the admission hurdles for new and transfer students who may encounter difficulties meeting traditional criteria due to changes in their educational environment. This move is intended to ensure that the admissions process remains accessible and fair during a time when many students' academic experiences were disrupted.
Summary
Senate Resolution 21 (SR21) requests the Louisiana Board of Regents and the postsecondary education management boards to implement flexible and holistic admission policies for the summer and fall semesters of 2020, in light of the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The resolution highlights the unique challenges faced by students during this period, including the transition to online learning and the potential impact on test scores and grades. It emphasizes the need for admissions processes that adapt to these unprecedented circumstances to provide all students with equitable opportunities for enrollment.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SR21 appears to be one of support for the educational community and student welfare. Educators and lawmakers recognize the hardships posed by the pandemic and generally favor a compassionate approach to admissions that addresses these challenges. This resolution aligns with broader national trends where institutions are revising admission policies to accommodate the difficulties presented by COVID-19. However, the level of acceptance and implementation of these suggestions may vary among different educational institutions.
Contention
Although the resolution emphasizes flexibility, there may be some contention regarding how broadly these holistic admissions policies should be interpreted and enforced. Some stakeholders might argue about the standards that should be applied and whether they could compromise the quality of the applicant pool or the integrity of the admissions process. Nonetheless, the primary goal remains to adapt to the current educational landscape in a manner that is both fair and responsive to students' needs during an extraordinary time.
Requests the state Department of Education, the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Board of Regents, and postsecondary education management boards to promote artificial intelligence education for students and to encourage professional development relative to artificial intelligence for faculty and staff
Requests the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop and provide online educational resources to public school students for the 2020-2021 school year.