reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:230. Powers and duties of visiting teachers, or supervisors of child welfare and attendance

RS 17:230 - Powers and duties of visiting teachers, or supervisors of child welfare and attendance
A. Visiting teachers, supervisors of child welfare and attendance, and home-school coordinators, shall have all the powers, duties, and responsibilities vested or which may be vested in attendance officers by the compulsory attendance laws of this state.
B. The powers, duties, and responsibilities of visiting teachers, or supervisors of child welfare and attendance, shall be limited to the following, provided that any school system with fewer than seven thousand five hundred students may assign such duties in proportion to the fraction of seven thousand five hundred students in that school system:
(1) Maintaining and keeping pupil attendance accounting records on forms approved by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.
(2) Investigating cases of nonenrollment and unexcused absences from school of all children within the compulsory school attendance age.
(3) Giving written notice, either in person or by registered mail, to the parent, tutor or other person having control or charge of a child within the compulsory school attendance age, when no valid reason is found for a child's nonenrollment or unexcused absence from school, requiring enrollment or attendance within three days from the date of notice.
(4) Visiting the home or place of residence of a child and any other place in which he is likely to find any child who is required to attend school when such child is absent from school during school hours, and when such child shall have been found, to return him to his parent or to the principal or teacher in charge of the school, or to the private tutor from whom absent.
(5) Keeping an accurate record of attendance of all children returned to schools or homes, of all cases prosecuted, and of all other services performed. A written report of all such activities shall be made monthly and annually to the parish or city superintendent of education and to the state director of child welfare and attendance.
(6) Conducting counseling sessions and other meetings related to school attendance and discipline.
(7) Undertaking other duties required by law or school board policy to reduce or respond to truancy.
C. In the discharge of the duties of their office, visiting teachers, supervisors of child welfare and attendance, or home-school coordinators shall cooperate fully with the state departments of public welfare, labor, health, and other state agencies, and may serve such writs and process in law relating to compulsory attendance as may be necessary for the enforcement of this Subpart.
Acts 1964, No. 109, §2. Amended by Acts 1975, No. 777, §1; Acts 1994, 3rd Ex. Sess., No. 45, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:231. Retirement, tenure, and other welfare benefits of visiting teachers, or supervisors of child welfare and attendance

RS 17:231 - Retirement, tenure, and other welfare benefits of visiting teachers, or supervisors of child welfare and attendance
Visiting teachers, or supervisors of child welfare and attendance, employed under the provisions of this Subpart, shall have the same status with respect to teacher retirement, tenure, sabbatical leave, sick leave, maternity leave, adoptive leave, and all other teacher-welfare provisions as other teachers or supervisors whose employment requires that they hold valid teachers' certificates issued by authority of the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Acts 1964, No. 109, §2; Acts 2018, No. 631, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:235. Cooperation of other state agencies and institutions with visiting teachers, or supervisors of child welfare and attendance

RS 17:235 - Cooperation of other state agencies and institutions with visiting teachers, or supervisors of child welfare and attendance
It shall be the duty of all state agencies and institutions to cooperate fully with the visiting teachers, or supervisors of child welfare and attendance, in the enforcement of this Sub-part. Such schools and agencies as deal with children between the ages of six and eighteen years of age, both inclusive, shall make available to visiting teachers, or supervisors of child welfare and attendance, such information as will assist them in promoting the regular attendance and school adjustment of these children. It shall be the duty of the principals, superintendents, or heads of the training and correctional schools to notify the visiting teachers, or supervisors of child welfare and attendance, when a child is to be released and/or returned to a parish. Visiting teachers, or supervisors of child welfare and attendance, shall cooperate fully with the state departments of public welfare, labor, and health, and with other state and local agencies in promoting the purposes of this Sub-part, including interchange of confidential and privileged information; and shall cooperate fully with juvenile and family court authorities, training and correctional schools, law enforcement officers, and make such referrals thereto and investigations therefor as seem necessary for the enforcement of this Sub-part, including interchange of confidential and privileged information.
Acts 1964, No. 109, §3.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:235.1. Parent orientation; local public school boards; guidelines

RS 17:235.1 - Parent orientation; local public school boards; guidelines
A. Repealed by Acts 2014, No. 436, §2(B), eff. June 4, 2014.
B. Each local public school board shall conduct a parent orientation course according to the following guidelines:
(1) The program shall be scheduled to accommodate the attendance of the parents or guardians without the loss of work.
(2) All parents or guardians shall be encouraged to attend as many times as they wish.
(3) The school board shall provide every parent or guardian who attends the program a certificate verifying completion of the course.
(4) At the parent orientation meeting, the school board or its representative shall provide each parent or guardian a copy of and shall explain school board policies which:
(a) Govern the discipline of students, including but not limited to corporal punishment, detention, suspension, and expulsion of students.
(b) Govern the attendance of students and truancy sanctions.
(c) Govern the behavior and decorum expected of students at all times.
(d) Govern dress codes for students for all school functions, including but not limited to in-school and out-of-school functions, including but not limited to dances.
(e) Address parental access to instructional materials as provided in R.S. 17:355.
(f) Address any other such matters as the school board may deem appropriate.
(5) At the parent orientation meeting, the school board or its representative shall explain:
(a) Existing school board grading systems.
(b) Standardized test procedures in effect, including but not limited to preparation for tests, procedures to be followed on the testing days, and an explanation of the assessment of the test results.
(c) Policies governing promotion of students from grade to grade and procedures implemented when a student fails to attain sufficient standards for promotion.
(d) Other such matters as the school board may deem appropriate.
C. Repealed by Acts 2014, No. 436, §2(B), eff. June 4, 2014.
D. A local public school board shall schedule not less than three orientation meetings during a school year, and at various times during the day, in order to facilitate attendance with as little inconvenience to the parents or guardians as possible. In order to carry out the intent and purpose of this Section, a school board shall schedule not less than three orientation meetings between March and September of each year, and shall publish notice and otherwise seek to notify parents or guardians whose children may enter a school in the system about the availability of and schedule for orientation meetings.
E. Repealed by Acts 2012, No. 1, §4, eff. July 1, 2012.
F. Repealed by Acts 2014, No. 436, §2(B), eff. June 4, 2014.
G. The provisions of this Section shall not be applicable to the Webster Parish School Board.
Acts 1997, No. 418, §1, eff. June 22, 1997; Acts 2012, No. 1, §4, eff. July 1, 2012; Acts 2013, No. 329, §1; Acts 2014, No. 436, §1, eff. Aug. 1, 2014; Acts 2014, No. 436, §§2(A), 2(B), eff. June 4, 2014.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:235.2. Statements of compliance; students and parents; required

RS 17:235.2 - Statements of compliance; students and parents; required
A. Beginning with the 1999-2000 school year, each city and parish school board shall require each student in grades four through twelve in each school under the control of the board annually to sign a statement of compliance committing to do at least all of the following:
(1) Attend school daily, except when absent for reasons due to illness or other excused absence.
(2) Arrive at school on time each day.
(3) Demonstrate significant effort toward completing all required homework assignments.
(4) Follow school and classroom rules.
B. Beginning with the 1999-2000 school year, each parent or guardian of each student in grades four through twelve in any public school in the state annually shall sign a statement of compliance committing to do at least all of the following:
(1) Ensure that his child attends school daily except for reasons as specified in Paragraph A(1) of this Section.
(2) Ensure that his child arrives at school on time each day.
(3) Ensure that his child completes all required homework assignments.
(4) Attend all required parent and teacher or principal conferences.
C. Prior to the signing by any student of the statement of compliance as required in this Section, each homeroom teacher of students in grades four through twelve shall, on the first day of school each school year, provide information to and answer any questions from such students relative to the statement of compliance.
D. Each city and parish school board shall adopt rules and regulations necessary for the implementation of this Section. Such rules and regulations shall include the following:
(1) Appropriate action to be taken against any student or parent or guardian who fails to comply with the signed statement as required in this Section.
(2) Guidelines for accomplishing the requirements of Subsection C of this Section, including a specified amount of time necessary for teachers to accomplish such requirements.
Acts 1999, No. 1004, §1, eff. July 9, 1999.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:236. Definition of a school

RS 17:236 - Definition of a school
A. For the purposes of this Chapter, a school is defined as an institution for the teaching of children, consisting of an adequate physical plant, whether owned or leased, instructional staff members, and students. For such an institution to be classified as a school, within the meaning of this Chapter, instructional staff members shall meet the following requirements: if a public day school or a nonpublic school which receives local, state, or federal funds or support, directly or indirectly, they shall be certified in accordance with rules established by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education; if a nonpublic school which receives no local, state, or federal funds or support, directly or indirectly, they shall meet such requirements as may be prescribed by the school or the church. In addition, except as otherwise provided in Subsection B of this Section, any such institution, to be classified as a school, shall operate a minimum session of not less than one hundred eighty days. Solely for purposes of compulsory attendance in a nonpublic school, a child who participates in a home study program approved by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education shall be considered in attendance at a day school; a home study program shall be approved if it offers a sustained curriculum of a quality at least equal to that offered by public schools at the same grade level.
B. Effective for the 2005-2006 school year, the provisions of Subsection A of this Section relative to the required operation of a minimum school session of not less than one hundred eighty days shall not be applicable. However, the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education may adopt rules effective for the 2005-2006 school year relative to the minimum session required of any institution in order to be classified as a school.
C. For the purpose of reporting data:
(1) The term "elementary school" means a school composed of any span of grades prekindergarten through grade eight that excludes grades nine through twelve.
(2) The term "middle school" or "junior high school" means a school composed of any span of grades five through nine that includes grades seven and eight and that excludes grades prekindergarten through four and ten through twelve.
(3) The term "high school" means a school composed of any span of grades nine through twelve.
(4) Middle schools, junior high schools, and high schools shall be considered secondary schools.
D. Nothing in Subsection C of this Section shall be construed to prohibit a city, parish, or other local public school board from configuring, classifying, or defining schools under its jurisdiction in a manner other than that provided in Subsection C of this Section.
E. Nothing in Subsection C of this Section shall affect the certification of education personnel or the grade levels for which they are eligible to teach.
Acts 1964, No. 109, §3. Amended by Acts 1980, No. 828, §1; Acts 2005, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 21, §1, eff. Nov. 29, 2005; Acts 2012, No. 378, §1, eff. May 31, 2012.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:236.2. Home study program participants; admission to public schools

RS 17:236.2 - Home study program participants; admission to public schools
A. The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, hereinafter referred to as the state board, shall adopt policies, rules, and regulations establishing procedures to be followed by city and parish school boards in admitting or readmitting to the public schools any child who, during the preceding school year or any portion thereof immediately preceding his admission or readmission to the public schools, participated in an approved home study program pursuant to the provisions of R.S. 17:236.
B. In adopting such policies, rules, and regulations, the state board shall provide for the screening and evaluation of such students, including, but not limited to, the administration of examinations to determine the grade level at which such child should be admitted or readmitted to the public schools.
C. The State Department of Education shall select, develop, validate, and/or provide for the administration of all examinations required by the state board pursuant to the provisions of this Section. Such examinations shall measure the skills of such students using the criteria developed pursuant to the provisions of R.S. 17:24.4 and R.S. 17:391.1 et seq.
D. Each child seeking admission or readmission to the public schools of this state pursuant to the provisions of this Section shall, as a prerequisite for such admission or readmission, fulfill all screening and evaluation requirements established by the state board.
E. Each city and parish school board shall adopt all policies, rules, and regulations necessary to provide for the implementation of the provisions of this Section, including, but not limited to, provisions for the screening and evaluation of students in accordance with the policies, rules, and regulations adopted by the state board and for administering such examinations as may be required by the state board. Such school boards shall use the results of such screening, evaluations, and examinations in determining the grade level at which such children shall be admitted or readmitted to the public schools under the respective jurisdictions of such boards.
Acts 1984, No. 448, §1, eff. July 6, 1984.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:236.3. Virtual school; definition; attendance policies

RS 17:236.3 - Virtual school; definition; attendance policies
A. "Virtual school" means a public school, including a charter school, which has a unique site code assigned by the state Department of Education and which delivers all or a majority of the instruction provided through the internet or other electronic medium such that a student is not necessarily required to be at a specific location in order to receive instruction from a teacher. This does not preclude the ability of the school to include traditional classroom-based instruction or to host face-to-face meetings, including field trips, extracurricular activities, conferences between a student, parents, and teachers, or other related activities or events. However, a school that delivers all or a majority of the instruction provided through the internet or other electronic medium and requires students to be in daily attendance at a specified location to receive such instruction shall not be considered a virtual school.
B.(1) Each city, parish, or other local public school board may adopt a policy that defines attendance at a virtual school for purposes of compliance with R.S. 17:233.
(2) Each chartering authority may adopt in policy or include in charter agreements a definition of attendance at a virtual charter school which may include provisions for addressing excessive absences, such as parental notification, student engagement and withdrawal from the school for failure to engage, and referrals to child welfare and attendance officers and family and juvenile courts.
Acts 2018, No. 478, §1, eff. May 23, 2018; Acts 2019, No. 398, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:237. Authority to suspend

RS 17:237 - Authority to suspend
Pursuant to the authority contained in Article XIX, Section 5, of the Constitution of Louisiana, the Governor is hereby authorized to suspend the provisions of Sections 221, 230 and 233 of this Title, or any of them, for no longer than one calendar year, in any parish or parishes designated by him, in the event of disaster, flood, disorder, riot, violence, or any other emergency deemed sufficient by him.
Acts 1964, No. 109, §3.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:238. Education of children having no permanent address, certain abandoned children, and children in foster care

RS 17:238 - Education of children having no permanent address, certain abandoned children, and children in foster care
A. Notwithstanding any provision of law or regulation to the contrary, the governing authority of each public elementary and secondary school shall establish a policy to provide for the placement in school and for the education of any child temporarily residing within the jurisdiction of the board who has no permanent address, who has been abandoned by his parents, or who is in foster care pursuant to placement through the Department of Children and Family Services.
B. No governing authority of a public elementary or secondary school shall deny enrollment in school to any child solely because the child has no permanent address, because the child has been abandoned by his parents, or because the child is in foster care pursuant to placement through the Department of Children and Family Services; however, nothing in this Section shall require the enrollment of any child not permitted by another school system to attend school, either permanently or temporarily, as a result of disciplinary actions.
C. The governing authority of each public elementary and secondary school shall establish a policy to ensure that a child who is in foster care pursuant to placement through the Department of Children and Family Services shall be allowed to remain enrolled in the public school in which the child was enrolled at the time he entered foster care for the duration of the child's stay in the custody of the state or until he completes the highest grade offered at the school if the Department of Children and Family Services determines that remaining in that school is in the best interest of the child. If the foster care placement is outside the jurisdictional boundaries of the public school in which the child is enrolled, the governing authority of such school shall be responsible for providing free transportation for the child to and from a designated location which is within that school district and is located nearest to the child's residence and is determined to be appropriate by such governing authority and the Department of Children and Family Services. The Department of Children and Family Services shall be responsible for providing the child's transportation between that location and the child's residence.
Acts 1989, No. 251, §1; Acts 1995, No. 139, §1; Acts 2000, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 39, §1; Acts 2009, No. 297, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2010; Acts 2012, No. 249, §1, eff. May 25, 2012.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:239. Prohibition against unauthorized use of electronic telecommunication devices; exceptions; penalties

RS 17:239 - Prohibition against unauthorized use of electronic telecommunication devices; exceptions; penalties
A. Effective beginning with the 2003-2004 school year and thereafter, no student, unless authorized by the school principal or his designee shall use or operate any electronic telecommunication device including any facsimile system, radio paging service, mobile telephone service, intercom, or electro-mechanical paging system in any public elementary or secondary school building or on the grounds thereof or in any school bus used to transport public school students.
B. A violation of the provisions of Subsection A of this Section may be grounds for disciplinary action by the school system, including but not limited to suspension from school.
C. Nothing in this Section shall affect the conduct of law enforcement activities including the use of electronic detection devices, dogs, or other means of conducting searches for weapons, drugs, or other contraband in whatever manner is otherwise permitted by law and consistent with local school board policy.
D. Nothing in this Section shall prohibit the use and operation by any person, including students, of any electronic telecommunication device described in Subsection A of this Section in the event of an emergency. Emergency means an actual or imminent threat to public health or safety which may result in loss of life, injury, or property damage.
Acts 1989, No. 526, §1; Acts 2003, No. 927, §1, eff. August 1, 2003.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:251. Short title; legislative intent

RS 17:251 - Short title; legislative intent
A. This Subpart may be cited as the "Education/Juvenile Justice Partnership Act".
B. The legislature hereby finds and declares that:
(1) The good behavior and discipline of students are essential prerequisites to academic learning, the development of student character, and the general, as well as educational, socialization of children and youth.
(2) Bad behavior and lack of discipline in many schools of the state are impairing the quality of teaching, learning, character development, and socialization, and, in some schools, are creating real and potential threats to school and public safety.
(3) Greater communication, coordination, and collaboration need to exist between and among state, city, parish, and other local public school systems and juvenile justice agencies to address effectively issues affecting the behavior and discipline of students, especially with respect to safe school planning, mental health service delivery, family strengthening, alternative schools, special education, school zero tolerance policies, school suspensions, and positive behavioral supports.
Acts 2003, No. 1225, §3.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:261. Constitution of the United States

RS 17:261 - Constitution of the United States
Regular courses of study on the Constitution of the United States shall be given, beginning with the eighth grade and continuing thereafter, in all the public schools, high schools, colleges, universities and other educational institutions supported wholly or in part with the public funds of the state or of any political subdivision thereof.
The state board of education or the governing authority of the educational institution shall enforce the provisions of this Section.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:262. Flag and patriotic customs of the United States; required instruction

RS 17:262 - Flag and patriotic customs of the United States; required instruction
A.(1) A program of instruction on the flag of the United States of America shall be provided to students by the fifth grade as part of the social studies curriculum in the public elementary schools of this state. Such instruction, at a minimum, shall include the history of the American flag, etiquette, customs pertaining to the display and use of the flag, and such other patriotic customs as provided by and in accordance with the provisions of 36 U.S.C. 170 et seq. on patriotic customs.
(2) The program of instruction on patriotic customs required by this Section shall include instruction on the national motto, "In God We Trust", and each public school governing authority shall display the national motto in each building it uses and classroom in each school under its jurisdiction. The nature of the display shall be determined by each governing authority with a minimum requirement that the national motto shall be displayed on a poster or framed document that is at least eleven inches by fourteen inches. The motto shall be the central focus of the poster or framed document and shall be printed in a large, easily readable font.
B. This Section does not require a public school governing authority to spend its funds to purchase national motto displays. A governing authority may spend its funds or donated funds to purchase the displays and may accept donated displays.
C. The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education shall adopt rules and regulations in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act to ensure the proper implementation of this Section.
Acts 1999, No. 672, §1; Acts 2018, No. 410, §1, eff. May 23, 2018; Acts 2023, No. 264, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:263. Adoption awareness; required instruction

RS 17:263 - Adoption awareness; required instruction
A. Adoption awareness shall be required instruction for high school students in public and nonpublic secondary schools in a manner deemed appropriate by the school principal.
B. "Adoption awareness" as used in this Section means specific instruction on the benefits of adoption for families wishing to add a child, for potential adoptees, and for persons who are pregnant or who have a child for whom they are unable to care.
C. Instruction on adoption awareness shall include the following:
(1) The benefits of adoption to society.
(2) The types of adoption available.
(3) The difference between foster care and infant adoption.
(4) The reasons adoption is preferable to abortion.
(5) Public and private resources and agencies available to assist in the adoption process.
(6) Statistical data on abortion, adoption, and childbirth.
(7) Public and private resources available for pregnant mothers and parents.
Acts 2006, No. 571, §1; Acts 2013, No. 329, §1; Acts 2022, No. 456, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:264. Community service; high school diploma endorsement program

RS 17:264 - Community service; high school diploma endorsement program
A.(1) The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education may establish a "Distinction for Community Service" diploma endorsement program to recognize high school students who perform a certain number of hours of documented community service. Community service hours shall not count toward academic course work or graded work in any public school. The number of service hours required to earn a diploma endorsement shall be determined by the state board and shall accrue from the ninth grade through the twelfth grade.
(2) Not later than March first of each year, provided that a diploma endorsement program as authorized in Paragraph (1) of this Subsection is implemented, the state board shall provide a written report to the House Committee on Education and the Senate Committee on Education, which shall contain, at a minimum, the following:
(a) The goals and objectives of the diploma endorsement program.
(b) The number of community service endorsements awarded to students for the preceding school year.
(c) The types of community service performed by students for the preceding school year.
(d) The results and effectiveness of the program.
B. The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education shall adopt necessary rules and guidelines for the proper implementation of any diploma endorsement program for community service developed pursuant to Paragraph (A)(1) of this Section, and each city, parish, and other local public school board shall provide for such community service in accordance with such rules and guidelines.
C. The community service performed pursuant to this Section shall not be related to political activities of any kind.
Acts 2012, No. 295, §1; Acts 2023, No. 346, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:265. The Founding Principles of the United States of America; required instruction

RS 17:265 - The Founding Principles of the United States of America; required instruction
A. The governing authority of each public school that offers courses in American history and civics as prerequisites to graduation shall integrate into such courses instruction regarding the Founding Principles of the United States of America.
B. Such instruction shall include but need not be limited to providing students with information on the following:
(1) The Creator-endowed unalienable rights of the people.
(2) Structure of government and separation of powers with checks and balances.
(3) Frequent and free elections in a representative government.
(4) Rule of law.
(5) Equal justice under the law.
(6) Private property rights.
(7) Federalism.
(8) Due process.
(9) Individual rights as set forth in the Bill of Rights.
(10) Individual responsibility.
Acts 2012, No. 393, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:266. Cursive writing; required instruction

RS 17:266 - Cursive writing; required instruction
Cursive writing shall be taught in all public schools. Each public school shall ensure that such instruction is introduced by the third grade and incorporated into the curriculum in grades four through twelve.
Acts 2016, No. 482, §1, eff. July 1, 2017.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:267. Litter prevention and awareness; required instruction

RS 17:267 - Litter prevention and awareness; required instruction
A. Instruction in litter prevention and awareness shall be provided to each public school student in kindergarten through grade five. Such instruction shall be integrated into the existing curriculum and may include instructional materials created and developed for students in Louisiana to assist such students in making environmentally sound decisions and understanding the vital role they play in preserving the beauty of the state.
B. Each public school governing authority shall adopt rules and regulations necessary for the implementation of this Section.
Acts 2017, No. 72, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:268. Declaration of Independence and Federalist Papers

RS 17:268 - Declaration of Independence and Federalist Papers
A. The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America shall be made required study in all elementary schools throughout the state.
B. The Federalist Papers shall be made required study in all the high schools throughout the state.
Acts 1987, No. 486, §1, eff. July 9, 1987.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:269. Selective service obligation orientation program

RS 17:269 - Selective service obligation orientation program
The state board of education may establish and administer, and each parish and city school board in the state may maintain in each public school to which applicable a selective service obligation orientation program of instruction which may be part of the required curriculum for all male students in grades higher than the eighth grade in the public schools of this state.
The program so established may require that every male student in the ninth, tenth and eleventh grades be given one hour of non credit instruction during each semester of each of such grades, by representatives of the Louisiana Selective Service System, in subject matter pertaining to armed forces obligations.
During the second semester of the twelfth grade every male student may be given six hours of instruction, without credit, in matters pertaining to his armed forces obligations, including but not necessarily restricted to matters relating to service in the regular armed forces, the reserves and officer procurement. Such instruction may include one hour of lecture by representatives of each of the following: (1) the Louisiana Selective Service System, (2) the Air Forces of the United States, (3) the United States Army, (4) the United States Navy, (5) the United States Marine Corps and (6) the United States Coast Guard.
Added by Acts 1964, No. 44, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:270. Financial literacy; required instruction

RS 17:270 - Financial literacy; required instruction
A. The legislature recognizes that young people must obtain the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to manage their personal finances and obtain general financial literacy. Education in financial literacy helps prepare students for the workforce and for financial independence by developing a sense of individual responsibility and improving life skills, as well as a thorough understanding of consumer economics. Financial literacy education integrates instruction in valuable life skills with instruction in economics, including income and taxes, money management, investment and spending, and the importance of personal savings.
B.(1) Each student shall successfully complete a one-unit Financial Literacy course as a requirement for high school graduation.
(2) The topics covered by the course shall include but need not be limited to the following:
(a) Types of bank accounts offered, opening and managing a bank account, and assessing the quality of a depository institution's services.
(b) Balancing a checkbook.
(c) Basic principles of money management, such as spending, credit, credit scores, and managing debt, including retail and credit card debt.
(d) Completing a loan application.
(e) Receiving an inheritance and related implications.
(f) Basic principles of personal insurance policies.
(g) Computing federal income taxes.
(h) Local tax assessments.
(i) Computing interest rates by various mechanisms.
(j) Simple contracts.
(k) Contesting an incorrect billing statement.
(l) Types of savings and investments.
(m) State and federal laws concerning finance.
C. The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education shall establish and maintain a clearinghouse for instructional materials and information regarding model financial education programs and best practices.
Acts 2018, No. 154, §1; Acts 2019, No. 116, §1; Acts 2023, No. 267, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:271. Shaken baby syndrome; instruction

RS 17:271 - Shaken baby syndrome; instruction
A. Each public high school shall provide instruction in the recognition and prevention of shaken baby syndrome. Such instruction shall be integrated into an existing course of study.
B. For purposes of this Section, "shaken baby syndrome" means the condition known also as abusive head trauma that is characterized by injuries resulting from violent shaking or shaking and impacting of the head of an infant or small child.
Acts 2018, No. 300, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:271.1. Mental health; required instruction

RS 17:271.1 - Mental health; required instruction
A. The governing authority of each public school shall provide to students in grades kindergarten through twelve age- and grade-appropriate classroom instruction relative to mental health.
B. The instruction shall include, at minimum, information on the following:
(1) Preventive mental health measures, including but not limited to proper diet, exercise, risk avoidance, and stress reduction.
(2) The relationship and the difference between mental health and physical health.
(3) Brain health, emotional health, identifying trauma and stress, and the impact of trauma and stress on mental health and physical health.
(4) Resources and services available to assist people with mental health issues.
(5) The management of stress and anxiety.
C. The instruction shall be integrated into an existing required course, such as health education or another course deemed appropriate by the governing authority.
D. The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, upon its review and revision of the state content standards for health education, shall increase the emphasis on the mental health component of health education in order to enhance student understanding, attitudes, and behaviors that promote overall health and well-being.
Acts 2022, No. 650, §1; Acts 2023, No. 318, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:273.1. Critical languages; teaching in public schools

RS 17:273.1 - Critical languages; teaching in public schools
A. As expeditiously as possible, but not later than the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year, the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education shall ensure that secondary school students are afforded the opportunity to study at least one of the critical languages as defined by the United States Department of State and the United States Department of Education.
B. The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education may phase in implementation of the requirements of this Section in accordance with the following timeline:
(1) Not later than the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year, students enrolled in at least twenty-five percent of the secondary schools in the state shall have the opportunity to study a critical language.
(2) Not later than the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year, students enrolled in at least fifty percent of the secondary schools in the state shall have the opportunity to study a critical language.
(3) Not later than the beginning of the 2012-2013 school year, students enrolled in at least seventy-five percent of the secondary schools in the state shall have the opportunity to study a critical language.
(4) Not later than the beginning of the 2013-2014 school year, every student enrolled in a secondary school in the state shall be afforded the opportunity to study at least one of the critical languages as defined by the United States Department of State and the United States Department of Education.
C. The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education shall submit a written report regarding the progress made in implementing the provisions of this Section to the Senate Committee on Education and the House Committee on Education not later than March fifteenth of each year, until such time as the provisions of this Section have been fully implemented.
Acts 2008, No. 770, §1, eff. when sufficient funds are appropriated.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:273.2. Foreign language immersion programs; certification process; criteria

RS 17:273.2 - Foreign language immersion programs; certification process; criteria
A. The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education shall develop and implement a process to certify foreign language immersion education programs as a means to provide statewide standards for foreign language immersion programs and assist and support schools and school districts in establishing and maintaining high quality, highly effective foreign language immersion programs.
B.(1) Beginning with the 2012-2013 school year and annually thereafter, the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education shall designate any foreign language immersion program that consistently meets the criteria listed below as a "Certified Foreign Language Immersion Program".
(a) Adherence to state guidelines governing the minimum time of daily instruction in the immersion language.
(b) High quality immersion language teaching time.
(c) Protection of the written and oral forms of the immersion language as the exclusive language of communication within immersion teaching time.
(d) Evidence of immersion language teaching throughout content area teaching time.
(e) Immersion language teachers who possess native-like fluency in the immersion language.
(f) Articulated professional development on best practices for immersion teachers, English-speaking team teachers, and school administrators.
(g) Provision of student remediation, as needed, in the immersion language.
(h) Articulation, or planned articulation, throughout the elementary, secondary, and postsecondary levels of education.
(i) Visibility and recognition of the foreign language immersion program throughout the school.
(j) Written policies regarding entry into and exit from the foreign language immersion program.
(2) Notice of receipt of State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education designation as a "Certified Foreign Language Immersion Program" shall be included on the school's annual report card compiled by the Department of Education and in the academic records of each student enrolled in the program.
C. The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education shall promulgate rules to implement the provisions of this Section in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.
D. For purposes of this Section, "foreign language immersion program" means any type of dual language immersion program in French or Spanish.
Acts 2011, No. 212, §1, eff. June 27, 2011; Acts 2018, No. 622, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:274. Free enterprise; elective course

RS 17:274 - Free enterprise; elective course
Public high schools may give instruction in an elective course in free enterprise in accordance with a course of study prescribed by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education for at least one semester, equal to one-half unit of credit. The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education shall prescribe suitable teaching materials for the instruction.
Added by Acts 1976, No. 83, §1. Amended by Acts 1977, No. 324, §1, eff. July 13, 1977. Acts 1984, No. 283, §1, §2; Acts 2003, No. 296, §1, eff. June 13, 2003; Acts 2010, No. 327, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:275. Curriculum; breast self-examination and cervical cancer tests

RS 17:275 - Curriculum; breast self-examination and cervical cancer tests
All public junior and senior high schools shall provide instruction to all female students in the proper procedure for breast self-examination and the need for an annual Pap test for cervical cancer. Such instruction may be provided in the context of courses in the study of health, physical education, or such other appropriate curriculum or instruction period as may be determined by the respective local school boards. This instruction may be taught by a school nurse, physician, or competent medical instructor. The local school boards shall adopt rules and regulations necessary for the implementation of this program of instruction. No student shall be required to take such instruction if his parent or tutor submits a written statement indicating that such instruction conflicts with the religious beliefs of the student.
Added by Acts 1980, No. 789, §1, eff. Aug. 1, 1980.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:276. Physical education programs; secondary schools

RS 17:276 - Physical education programs; secondary schools
Each city and parish public school system, in accordance with the mandates of federal law and regulations, shall offer, as part of the physical education program at the secondary schools in such school system, sexually segregated contact sports and sexually integrated noncontact sports. Students enrolling in such physical education programs shall have the option of participating in sexually segregated contact sports, sexually integrated noncontact sports, or both.
Added by Acts 1980, No. 840, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:276.1. Water safety; required instruction

RS 17:276.1 - Water safety; required instruction
A.(1) Age- and grade-appropriate instruction on water safety shall be provided to each public school student. Such instruction shall be incorporated into an existing required course, such as health, physical education, or another course deemed appropriate by the public school governing authority.
(2) At a minimum, such instruction shall include instruction on the following:
(a) The proper use of flotation devices.
(b) Awareness of water conditions.
(c) The proper supervision of swim areas.
(d) Safe behaviors in and around the water.
(e) The importance of pool barriers and fencing.
(f) The importance of formal swim lessons.
(g) The importance of avoiding alcohol and substance use with water recreation.
(h) The importance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation for drowning victims and the importance of administering such aid.
B.(1) Each governing authority shall adopt policies necessary for the implementation of this Section.
(2) Each governing authority may customize the instruction for its student population based on geographic characteristics and any other special circumstances applicable to the school or school district.
C.(1) The state Department of Education shall establish and maintain a clearinghouse of instructional materials and information regarding model water safety curricula and best practices for water safety instruction.
(2) The department shall review the materials and information at least once biannually and revise them based on updated information, as needed.
Acts 2022, No. 722, §3.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:277. Black history and the historical contributions of all nationalities; required study

RS 17:277 - Black history and the historical contributions of all nationalities; required study
A. Not later than the 1988-1989 school year each public high school shall offer instruction in black history and the historical contributions of all nationalities. Instruction shall be given as prescribed by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. With the advice of the Louisiana Black Culture Commission, pursuant to the provisions of R.S. 25:833(4), the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education shall prescribe suitable curricula and teaching materials for the required instruction.
B. The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education shall adopt regulations to insure the proper implementation of this Section and each city and parish school board shall schedule such instruction in accordance with said regulations.
Acts 1987, No. 380, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:278. Braille; required instruction

RS 17:278 - Braille; required instruction
The reading and writing of braille shall be taught to any student who is blind or legally blind as defined by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and when deemed appropriate by the Individualized Educational Program Committee. This instruction shall be provided through an individualized education program established by the board, and the instruction shall begin immediately upon the establishment of such a program.
Acts 1988, No. 170, §1.