Education (K-12 Education)

HB 316 requires Louisiana teacher education programs to include specific literacy training for educators preparing to teach students in kindergarten through third grade and for secondary teachers working with grades 4-8. It mandates that programs cover foundational literacy skills (like phonemic awareness and dyslexia support) and adolescent literacy strategies (including science-of-reading approaches for content-area learning). The bill also requires public schools to annually review student literacy plans for grades 4-8 and consolidate related improvement plans into single documents. These changes directly affect teacher training institutions, public schools, and students in grades 4-8 by establishing new standards for literacy instruction and intervention planning.

SB 27 requires Louisiana schools to provide high-dosage tutoring to K-5 students who failed statewide reading/math assessments or scored below grade level in literacy/numeracy screenings. Schools must offer tutoring within 30 days of identification, using direct instruction aligned to grade-level content and formative assessments. Tutoring providers must use qualified tutors (with background checks and subject-specific training) using high-quality instructional materials focused on core grade-level skills. Schools must report student participation data to the state by June 30, with the Department of Education publishing annual reports by July 1. This applies directly to eligible students and school districts implementing the requirement.

SB 376, the "Learn and Earn Act," creates a new program allowing Louisiana public high schools to partner with businesses for paid, credit-bearing work-based learning opportunities. It requires school boards to establish career practicums through written agreements with businesses that ensure fair value exchange (e.g., businesses provide equivalent benefit for school resources used) and align with state-approved career pathways. The program directly affects high school students - especially in rural or underserved communities - by offering compensated job training in fields like healthcare or technology while meeting educational requirements. Key provisions mandate that these practicums operate exclusively within defined instructional boundaries, prioritize student safety/supervision, and integrate financial literacy and employability skills.