Louisiana – According to information provided by the Louisiana Department of Education, there will be an oversight hearing held by the Louisiana House Education Committee on Thursday, October 26. The purpose of this hearing is to address a recently implemented graduation appeals policy that was passed by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE). Dr. Cade Brumley, who serves as the State Superintendent of Education in Louisiana, has consistently voiced his disagreement with this policy and has released a statement expressing his opposition.
Dr. Cade Brumley: “My signature on every high school diploma affirms a graduate’s readiness for work or higher education; this policy endangers that promise and diminishes the value of Louisiana diplomas for past, present, and future graduates.
The graduation appeals policy is bad for Louisiana. At its core, it signals that our educational system is incapable of providing – and students are unable to attain – a minimum standard of proficiency in required subjects. We should continue the exploration and expansion of academic and support options for students, not impose a government-sanctioned excuse for mediocrity.”
Senator John Kennedy and Governor-elect Jeff Landry are against the new BESE policy. Five members of BESE are also opposed to it.
If the appeals policy is approved by the oversight committee, BESE can proceed with submitting it to the Louisiana Register for final adoption as a rule. However, if an unfavorable ruling is received, the oversight committee must send its report to the Governor within four days of the hearing. The Governor then has 10 days to review and make a decision on the report – either approving, disapproving, or taking no action. If the Governor approves the report, the policy will not move forward as a final rule.