House Bill No. 268 aims to enhance career-related activities for public school students in Louisiana, particularly for those in grades K-8. The bill amends existing laws to require schools to incorporate a minimum of six career-related activities per grade level each school year, with specific criteria for at least three of these activities, such as direct interaction with employers and work-based learning exposure. Additionally, it mandates that Louisiana Works provide annual information on workforce priorities to public school governing authorities, which will help align student activities with these priorities. Schools serving grades K-5 are also required to provide at least one career awareness experience each year.

The bill further stipulates that Individual Graduation Plans (IGPs) must document at least one career-related activity for middle school students, with updated career interest inventories required in seventh and eighth grades. School counselors are tasked with ensuring that these activities are documented and that K-5 students participate in career awareness activities. The legislation also applies these requirements to charter schools, ensuring a consistent approach to career education across all public educational institutions in Louisiana.

Statutes affected:
HB268 Original: 17:2(A), 17:2925(B)(1)
HB268 Engrossed: 17:2(A), 17:2925(B)(1), 17:3005(C)(8)
HB268 Reengrossed: 17:2(A), 17:2925(B)(1), 17:3005(C)(8)