STUDENT/STANDARDS: Requests that the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education incorporate the science of human growth and development into content standards and to provide curriculum and instructional materials on its website
Impact
If adopted, HCR26 would effectively amend educational standards at the state level, requiring that curriculum frameworks in science and health education encompass topics that cover prenatal development and human growth. This initiative aims to provide students with a thorough understanding of human biology, leveraging resources such as high-definition ultrasound videos and animations to enhance the learning experience. Additionally, the resolution calls for the development of age-appropriate instructional materials, which would facilitate a more robust curriculum on this subject in schools across Louisiana.
Summary
HCR26 is a resolution from the Louisiana Legislature urging the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) to incorporate the science of human growth and development into the educational content standards for science and health education. This resolution highlights the absence of mandated instruction on human development from conception to birth within currently established standards and seeks to address this gap by requesting the inclusion of comprehensive materials on prenatal growth, including the development of vital organs.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HCR26 appears generally supportive among legislators who advocate for increased instruction on human biology and development. Proponents believe that providing education on human growth from conception is essential for fostering a comprehensive understanding of biology among students. However, it remains to be seen how various educational stakeholders may react, as the incorporation of such content may evoke differing views on topics related to reproductive health and moral considerations in education.
Contention
While HCR26 primarily focuses on educational standards, the underlying implications may lead to contention, particularly regarding the role of educational content related to human development. Opponents may express concerns over the potential politicization of curricula related to reproductive health and the adequacy of age-appropriate materials. Moreover, the requirement for BESE to submit a report to legislative committees by March 1, 2027, could induce scrutiny and ongoing debates about what constitutes appropriate instructional content.
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
To urge and request BESE to procure an annual license for a 3D game-based learning platform that aligns with chemistry and physical science standards with real-world technologies to provide improved career opportunities for junior high and high school students.
Provides relative to reports and certain commissions and advisory councils with respect to the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the state Department of Education
Provides for the methodology the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education uses to count students for purposes of the minimum foundation program (MFP) formula (OR +$100,000 GF EX See Note)
Requires students to attain a minimum ACT score set by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education as a prerequisite to high school graduation and prohibits state-administered end-of-course assessments for high school students (OR -$4,300,000 GF EX See Note)
Provides relative to the effectiveness of laws requiring reports to be submitted annually to the legislature by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the state Department of Education and provides relative to certain commissions and advisory councils
Provides for academic transparency and parental access to digital instructional materials and other educational materials in a manner that is free-of-charge. (8/1/25) (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)
Requests that the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education study and report relative to the voting threshold required for parental approval for the conversion of a preexisting school to a charter school