The bill amends R.S. 17:100.13 to enhance academic support for low-performing students in Louisiana, specifically targeting those in kindergarten through fifth grade who have not achieved mastery in reading or math assessments. It introduces high-dosage tutoring as a key component of expanded academic support, requiring local school boards to develop plans and budgets for these services. The plans must be submitted annually to the state Department of Education for review and approval. The bill emphasizes the importance of using high-quality tutoring providers and instructional materials, ensuring that tutoring is sustained for a minimum of ten weeks and provided by qualified tutors.

Additionally, the bill mandates that local school boards report on various metrics related to the expanded academic support, including the number of students receiving tutoring, their demographics, and the effectiveness of the tutoring provided. The Department of Education is tasked with creating reporting templates and providing training to local boards to facilitate the implementation of high-dosage tutoring. The bill also clarifies that the determination of students needing additional support will not impact teacher evaluations or school accountability scores. Local school boards are required to utilize available state and federal funds for these initiatives, but are not obligated to provide funding if such resources are unavailable.

Statutes affected:
SB508 Original:
SB508 Engrossed:
SB508 Enrolled:
SB508 Act 771: