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Committee backs bill to expand Louisiana’s high-dosage tutoring to K–8, require tracking
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Summary
The Senate education committee reported SB 27 favorably, expanding high-dosage tutoring to grades K–8, setting minimum program durations and requiring student-level data collection; supporters said the program helped the state rebound after COVID while one opponent registered concerns about schedule impacts on arts classes.
The Senate Education Committee voted to report Senate Bill 27 favorably after the author described the measure as an effort to expand and strengthen Louisiana’s high-dosage tutoring program.
Senator McMath, identified in committee discussion as the bill’s sponsor, said SB 27 builds on prior legislation to broaden tutoring eligibility from kindergarten through fifth grade to kindergarten through eighth grade, tighten quality standards and require data collection on which students receive tutoring and how much. The sponsor described the program as an in-school intervention (not “homework help”), with a minimum program model of roughly 10 weeks and 30–60 minute tutoring sessions three to five times per week to ensure sufficient dosage and track outcomes.
Supporters at the table and in green-card submissions credited earlier high-dosage tutoring efforts with strong post-COVID learning gains; Senator Owen and others commended the results and indicated intent to move the bill when appropriate. The sponsor said the state and legislative leadership support dedicating additional state general funds for expansion and implementation.
Duane LeBlanc, advocacy chair for the Louisiana Music Educators Association, testified in opposition to the timing of some implementations. LeBlanc said that mandating tutoring during the school day can pull students from elective arts classes (band, choir, art, physical education) and recommended language to prevent implementation that reduces student access to arts and other “well-rounded” courses.
The committee read several supporting green cards from education organizations and private partners. Senator McMath’s motion to report SB 27 favorably carried without objection.
What’s next: SB 27 was reported favorable and will move to the Senate calendar and committees with fiscal responsibilities for any required budget allocation discussions.
