The Louisiana House Education Committee will hold an oversight hearing Thursday, October 26 on a new graduation appeals policy passed by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE). Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley has consistently opposed this policy. He has released the following statement:
“My signature on every high school diploma affirms a graduate’s readiness for work or higher education; this policy endangers that promise and diminishes the value of Louisiana diplomas for past, present, and future graduates.
The graduation appeals policy is bad for Louisiana. At its core, it signals that our educational system is incapable of providing – and students are unable to attain – a minimum standard of proficiency in required subjects. We should continue the exploration and expansion of academic and support options for students, not impose a government-sanctioned excuse for mediocrity.”
If the appeals policy receives a favorable ruling by the oversight committee, BESE may submit the policy to the Louisiana Register for final adoption as rule. If an unfavorable ruling is received, the oversight committee must send its report to the Governor for review within four days of its hearing. The Governor would then have 10 days from receipt to approve, disapprove, or take no action on the unfavorable report. If the Governor approves the report, the policy will not advance to final rule.