This bill requests the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to update science and health education standards to include the science of human growth and development, specifically covering prenatal growth and fetal development. It asks the board to provide age-appropriate instructional materials, such as high-definition ultrasound videos or computer-generated animations, on its website to support teaching these topics. The resolution also requires the board to submit a written report to state education committees by March 1, 2027, detailing any actions taken in response to these requests. This is a non-binding concurrent resolution that urges the board to consider these changes rather than mandating them.
This bill requires Louisiana's Board of Regents to create a data system for collecting consistent information on all state financial aid programs. It directly affects postsecondary institutions that accept students receiving Taylor Opportunity Program for Students awards, as they must submit the required data. The system will track financial aid trends, effectiveness, and student outcomes to help evaluate how well these programs work. Institutions must follow the specific data format determined by the administering agency to ensure uniform reporting across the state.
This bill requires that children enrolled in certain early childhood education programs receive unique identification numbers assigned by the state Department of Education. The key provision mandates that local public school boards link these early childhood education identification numbers to students' regular student identification numbers by December 31, 2027, specifically for research and analysis purposes. The legislation applies to prekindergarten programs at public schools and aims to improve data tracking across early childhood education systems.
This bill updates the mathematics course requirements for students to qualify for Louisiana's TOPS scholarship awards, including Opportunity, Performance, Honors, Excellence, and TOPS-Tech programs. It establishes specific math course sequences that students must complete, allowing them to choose between traditional Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II or an alternative integrated mathematics sequence. The law sets different requirements based on graduation year, with some students needing three math units while others need four, and it expands course options for TOPS-Tech recipients to include applied math and computer science classes. These changes directly affect high school students graduating between 2021 and 2030 who wish to receive state scholarship funding.
This bill is a Senate resolution that designates March 23, 2026, as Thrive Day at the Louisiana State Capitol. It formally recognizes and commends Thrive Academy and the Thrive Foundation for their work in expanding educational opportunities for students across Louisiana. The resolution highlights the school's role in serving students from nineteen parishes and its partnerships aimed at supporting student well-being and academic success. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves to acknowledge the contributions of these organizations to education in the state.
This bill allows Louisiana public school governing authorities to create learning pods, which are small groups of at least ten students receiving instruction together as an extension of their school. The law requires that most learning pods be located within the geographic boundaries of the school system, though existing pods established before August 1, 2026, may operate outside these boundaries. The legislation also outlines procedures for assigning students to these pods and sets limitations on how they can be established.
This bill requires Louisiana school districts to create policies for identifying and addressing overcapacity, where too many schools exist relative to student enrollment and facility needs. It mandates that superintendents annually report on overcapacity status and recommend specific actions, such as closing schools or terminating charter contracts, to reduce the number of operating schools. The law allows school boards to end charter agreements early if overcapacity exists and prohibits new schools from opening in areas already facing excess capacity. Additionally, the bill clarifies that school districts can lease or sell vacant properties to charter schools without being subject to certain state requirements when these actions are taken to resolve overcapacity.
This resolution formally recognizes Thrive Academy and Thrive Foundation for their work providing educational opportunities to students across Louisiana. It designates March 23, 2026, as Thrive Day at the state capitol to honor the institution and its students. The measure does not change laws or policies but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of the organization's efforts to support student success and community development.
This bill requires Louisiana public schools to include artificial intelligence instruction in their existing courses for students in grades six through twelve. The law directs the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to create rules to implement this requirement. Schools must integrate AI education into current curricula rather than creating separate classes. The measure applies to all public schools in the state and affects middle and high school students.
This bill approves a state funding formula for public schools in Louisiana for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, which determines how much money each school district receives based on student needs and local financial capacity. The formula calculates funding through four levels: a base amount based on student enrollment and special needs like poverty or disabilities, an incentive for districts to exceed minimum requirements, specific allocations for staff pay raises and mandated costs, and additional funds for specialized programs and charter schools. The legislation applies to city and parish school systems, various types of charter schools, and state university lab schools, ensuring funds are used only for educational purposes such as instruction, staff salaries, and facility maintenance.