Abstract: Prohibits a student who has not passed end-of-course LEAP tests from becoming eligible
for high school graduation through an appeals process involving the submission of a
portfolio.
Present law requires the state Dept. of Education (DOE) to implement the Louisiana Educational
Assessment Program (LEAP) with the approval of the State Board of Elementary and Secondary
Education (BESE). Requires that BESE implement standards-based assessments in English
language arts, math, science, and social studies and that the tests be administered, at a minimum, in
grades three through 11. Also requires BESE to establish by rule the adequate test score to
determine successful performance of the student on each test.
Proposed law prohibits BESE and DOE from approving or implementing an appeals process
allowing a student who has not met the achievement level required to pass the LEAP end-of-course
assessments required for high school graduation to become eligible for graduation through the
submission of a portfolio.
Proposed law further provides that proposed law does not affect students pursuing graduation
eligibility pursuant to present law (Act No. 833 of the 2014 R.S., known as the "April Dunn Act"),
which provides alternative pathways for graduation for certain special education students.
(Adds R.S. 17:24.4(F)(1)(g))