The House Education Committee will meet today to review the new graduation appeals policy approved by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. The process provides seniors who fail the LEAP test with other means to graduate. Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley says we should not impose a government-sanctioned excuse for mediocrity.
“These are minimum standards that gives a base level of confidence that these graduates can be successful at the next level. Clearly not the time to lower our standards. And we have to continue to push forward to make sure the kids get the education that they need.”
Under the new appeals process, students who do not meet graduation requirements would complete a project or portfolio for their teacher to grade. If the students receive a passing grade, they will receive a diploma that will count toward their school’s accountability rating score.
House Education Chairman Lance Harris who opposes the policy believes it diminishes the value of the diploma and the timing for the process is off.
“I don’t think that’s where we need to be lowering standards in Louisiana. I think its something they should put off until the next board, the next governor. Just hearing from people around my district, its an overwhelming disappointment.”
Appeals will be administered at the local school level, and students will still be required to take the LEAP assessment. BESE President Holly Boffy says the appeals process helps seniors who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills to graduate but struggle with taking exams.
“We’re trying to open up a path for students who may not be strong test takers. We also know some students who are pursuing college that are still not strong standardized test takers and give them an opportunity to graduate from high school.”
If House Education decides unfavorably towards the policy, then it would be up to Governor John Bel Edwards to make a final decision before he heads out of office.
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