PART VI-B. OPPORTUNITY CLASSES

§393. Opportunity classes; first grade high-risk students; pilot program

A. As used in this Part, the following words, terms, and phrases shall have the meaning ascribed to them in this Subsection, except when the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

(1) "High risk student" means a student who has been evaluated after a year of kindergarten and has been determined by the local system to lack the academic and social skills necessary for first grade.

(2) "Opportunity class" means a separate self-contained full-time classroom staffed by a certified teacher who is trained to provide instruction appropriate to meet the needs of high risk students. When possible, any such teacher shall possess a master's degree and five years of teaching experience.

B. Beginning with the 1988-1989 school year, the Department of Education with the approval of the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education shall establish guidelines for a pilot program designed for high-risk first grade students which shall be designated "opportunity classes". The guidelines shall include but not be limited to the following:

(1) Emphasis on individual developmental skills.

(2) Emphasis on individual academic progress.

(3) An evaluation plan which monitors the educational progress, growth, and achievement of the students and the effectiveness of the local program.

C. Prior to the 1989-1990 school year, the state superintendent of education, with the approval of the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, shall select ten pilot classes across the state from written proposals for such classes submitted by local systems. Such proposals shall be based on the guidelines specified in Subsection B and shall also include the following information.

(1) A statement of educational objectives.

(2) A review of the appropriate literature.

(3) A description of course content to be taught.

D. The ten pilot classes shall be implemented and conducted during the 1989-1990 school year.

E. Funds for development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the pilot program shall be appropriated specifically for the purposes enumerated in this Part.

F. The state superintendent of education shall review all information relative to pilot classes and report to the Joint Committee on Education concerning student progress and program effectiveness prior to the 1990 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature.

G. The provisions of Subsections A through E of this Section shall not be effective after the completion of the 1989-1990 school year unless this Part is reenacted subsequent to the 1989 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature.

Acts 1986, No. 699, §1, eff. July 8, 1986; Acts 1988, No. 835, §1.