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State money could follow struggling students to private or home school
Parents of students who are struggling to read in elementary school might soon have the option to pull their students out of public school and into private school or homeschooling, paid for with government subsidies taken out of the public education budget. Sen. Sharon Hewitt’s Senate Bill 203 would create the Reading Education Savings Account […]
In Louisiana, Robert E. Lee Day, Confederate Memorial Day are still legal holidays. That could change
Next week may be the last time Louisiana ever marks Confederate Memorial Day. House Bill 248, authored by Rep. Matthew Willard, D-New Orleans, which would remove Robert E. Lee Day and Confederate Memorial Day as legal state holidays, advanced Wednesday from the House Judiciary Committee unanimously. “Try to put yourself in my shoes as a […]
Disadvantaged student enrollment rules could be loosened for Louisiana charter schools
Louisiana charter schools might soon be allowed to change the amount of disadvantaged students that they’re required to enroll. Right now, charter schools must match their economically disadvantaged and special needs enrollment, excluding talented and gifted students, to at least 85% of their local school district’s enrollment of the same student segment. House Bill 940, […]
Transgender athlete ban from women’s sports advances from Louisiana Senate
Another attempt to ban transgender athletes from competing in girls’ high school and women’s college sports teams advanced Tuesday from the Louisiana Senate. The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, authored by Sen. Beth Mizell, R-Franklinton, was approved by a 29-6 vote. Gov. John Bel Edwards rejected a similar proposal last year, and a veto override […]
‘Hunger-free campus’ program may soon come to Louisiana colleges
Louisiana college students struggling with getting enough food could soon get support from their universities. A bill to establish the “Hunger-Free Campus” program advanced Tuesday from the Louisiana House Education Committee. The proposal’s author, Rep. Barbara Freiberg, R-Baton Rouge, said she was shocked to hear so many college students reported being food insecure. According to […]
Voters may decide if they want to eliminate appointed BESE members
Louisiana voters could have full control over who serves on their state school board under a proposed constitutional amendment moving through the Louisiana Legislature. Right now, voters choose eight district representatives to the 11-member Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the governor appoints three. If approved, House Bill 4, authored by Rep. Phillip Tarver, […]
Bills to weaken Louisiana vaccine mandates advance in Legislature
An attempt to prohibit COVID-19 vaccine mandates by Louisiana schools and all levels of government has gained momentum in the Legislature, although proponents’ arguments for doing so have been based on misinformation. Two pieces of legislation that would weaken such mandates advanced from the House Health and Welfare committee Tuesday morning. One resolution would remove […]
LSU Shreveport begins search for new medical school chancellor
LSU has formally started the process for finding the next chancellor of its medical school in Shreveport. The replacement is for Dr. Ghali E Ghali, who resigned in June 2021 after being put on administrative leave for about two months, The Advocate reported. His suspension followed claims from physicians and staffers at LSU Health Shreveportl […]
Ban on transgender athletes from women’s sports advances in Louisiana Legislature
An effort has been revived to ban transgender athletes from women’s and girls’ sports in Louisiana. Gov. John Bel Edwards rejected the proposal last year, and a veto override effort from Republicans in the Legislature fell short of the needed votes. Sen. Beth Mizell has once again authored the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, which […]
Louisiana universities could soon be allowed to pay student-athletes directly
Last year Louisiana jumped on the bandwagon to allow college sports stars to benefit financially from their name, image and likeness through endorsement deals. Now state leaders want to follow suit and allow schools to pay their student-athletes directly. Senate Bill 250, authored by Sen. Patrick Connick, R-Marrero, would allow colleges, universities and university affiliates […]
Lessons on suicide prevention could be in store for Louisiana students
Louisiana schools may soon be required to provide students lessons on suicide prevention to students in order to address high rates of depression and youths taking their own lifes in the state. House Bill 495, authored by. Rep. Laurie Schlegel, R-Metairie, would require Louisiana public schoolsl teach sixth- through 12th-graders about suicide prevention, student safety, […]
Student health and safety guidelines for digital devices under consideration
Louisiana could soon send out guidelines on safe digital device use in classrooms out of concern for the effects smartphones and laptops have on students. House Bill 548, authored by Rep. Aimee Freeman, D-New Orleans, would have the state education department create the guidelines in consultation with health experts, teachers, school administrators and parents. Medical […]