Proposed legislation introduced during the regular session aims to ease the workload of educators. But some concerns loom regarding its potential repercussions on school curriculums. Vernon Parish Representative Charles Owen says instead of state lawmakers deciding if these life skills are worthy subjects …
“It directs our state school board. Our Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to review all of these. To determine the time and the currency required of these. Determine if this is best for our teachers and ultimately what’s best for our students.”
The bill passed the House in a 94-9 vote.
Owens believes topics like CPR, eating disorders, adoption and substance abuse should be taught by parents. And teachers should spend more time teaching core subjects like English, math, and science to students in the classroom. He recalls Amanda Bealer, an educator in Leesville, who walked away from teaching profession because of the heavy demands in the classroom.
“Teachers like Amanda Bealer is like Barry Sanders walking away from the Detroit Lions in mid career. When a teacher of the year was walking away because of the constraints that are put on them and the demands that were put on them inside of their profession.”
Owens wants to limit disruptions so that teachers can focus on classroom instruction. He believes this is a step in retaining qualified educators in Louisiana and showing their profession is important.
“Right now Louisiana is short 1200 teachers across the state. And this I believe will help with that and most of all it will send an important message to our educators that they matter.”
The measure heads to Senate for more debate.
