Good Legislative News for Our Students
In my opinion, the best development last week for our students was the quiet approval of HB 944 by the full House of Representatives by a vote of 94 to 0. This legislation finally provides real support for students who want and need technical and career education as part of their high school curriculum. It means that many of our graduates will soon be prepared for thousands of high income careers that do not require a four year college diploma. In fact many of the career diploma graduates will graduate with two years of high quality career training which may include numerous dual enrollment courses and industry based certification.
HB 944 by Representative Fannin and Senator Kostelka, now puts the career diploma at a favorable status with a college prep education. Graduation with a new career diploma will not only provide students with industry based certification, but such students will be eligible to attend both community and four year colleges upon graduation. There is no limiting of the opportunities for our students. The new law also requires that no high schools will be penalized by the school grading system because of students graduating in the career areas.
Why this abrupt departure from the ten year push of college prep for all that has dominated education in Louisiana? 90 percent of our graduates in recent years were graduating with a Core 4
HB 944 by Representative Fannin and Senator Kostelka, now puts the career diploma at a favorable status with a college prep education. Graduation with a new career diploma will not only provide students with industry based certification, but such students will be eligible to attend both community and four year colleges upon graduation. There is no limiting of the opportunities for our students. The new law also requires that no high schools will be penalized by the school grading system because of students graduating in the career areas.
Why this abrupt departure from the ten year push of college prep for all that has dominated education in Louisiana? 90 percent of our graduates in recent years were graduating with a Core 4
