Vermilion State Rep. Drafts Common Core Opt-Out Bill

In what is another sign that Common Core will still be a hot issue this session, despite the budget, lawmakers are saying they've been invited to the Governor's Mansion next week for an "urgent meeting" on the topic. What will be discussed with the governor is unknown, but the issue has picked up momentum over the past week with parents in Bossier, Caddo and Lafayette parishes choosing to opt-out their children for the testing this spring. In Caddo Parish, a former teacher of the year is one of the parents not allowing her child to be included in the PARCC tests.
Rep. Bob Hensgens, R-Abbeville, was quick to react this week and told LaPolitics he has already drafted a bill to soften the blow to schools. Having a child score a zero on the test would bring down the overall score, affecting teachers and the schools. "This bill would hold harmless for the 2014-15 school year the teachers and the schools," Hensgens said. "It won't be part of the overall score."
With more parents expected to opt out their children from the testing in the coming weeks, the legislation could become a major point of contention this session. As the news spreads, it may also encourage more parents to make the call.