Louisiana Administrative Code
Title 28 - EDUCATION
Part XXXIX - Bulletin 1566-Pupil Progression Policies and Procedures
Chapter 1 - Purpose
Section XXXIX-103 - Preface

A. "The goal of the public educational system is to provide learning environments and experiences, at all stages of human development, that are humane, just and designed to promote excellence in order that every individual may be afforded an equal opportunity to achieve his full potential" (Preamble to Article VIII, Louisiana Constitution). This goal statement from the Constitution suggests that public elementary and secondary education is only a part of a continuum of services that should be available to assist each individual to identify and reach his/her own educational or training goals as quickly and effectively as possible.

B. The amendment and enactment of the Louisiana Competency-Based Education Program, Act 750, (R.S. 17:24.4) by the Louisiana State Legislature in Regular Session during the summer of 1997, was the result of an ever-increasing demand by Louisiana's taxpayers for a better accounting of their educational dollars. This far-reaching statute called for:

C. The Louisiana Competency-Based Program is based on the premise that the program must provide options to accommodate the many different learning styles of its students. Every effort is being made to tailor the curriculum to the needs of the individual student, including the student with special instructional needs who subsequently needs curricular alternatives. Such a practice enhances the probability of success, since the student is provided with an instructional program compatible with his individual learning styles as well as with his needs.

D. The Louisiana State Legislature in Regular Session during the summer of 1997 amended and reenacted R.S. 17:24.4(F) and (G)(1), relative to the Louisiana Competency-Based Education Program, to require the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) to adopt rules relative to the promotion of fourth and eighth grade students.

E. The amended Sections relate state content standards adopted for mathematics, English language arts, science, and social studies, to the Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (LEAP), and to the comprehensive pupil progression plans of each of the local educational agencies.