Louisiana School Climate Policy

 

 

Louisiana has 80 school districts that include 1,407 schools. There were 658,607 students enrolled in K-12 public schools in the 2021-2022 school year. An average of 67% of Louisiana students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches. Louisiana has no state policies that explicitly address school climate. However, there are many policies addressing aspects of school climate such as bullying prevention, emergency response systems, suicide prevention and counseling, special needs services, and anti-discrimination. Louisiana has a policy that implements educating students on financial literacy at a grade-appropriate level. As a nondiscrimination policy, Louisiana mandates that equal treatment should be given when teaching creation science and evolution science, and both shall be treated as theories and not proven scientific facts. There is a policy that requires education on a cell phone and internet use safety. 

Safety

There is currently no policy around school climate in the state of  Louisiana. For more information on school climate, please visit us at Services – National School Climate Center

Louisiana policies provide definitions of bullying, cyberbullying, and behaviors that are associated with these actions.

  • Louisiana Administrative Code 28 CXV 1303. Bullying. 

https://regulations.justia.com/states/louisiana/title-28/part-cxv/chapter-13/section-cxv-1303/

  • Louisiana Revised Statutes 14:40.7 Cyberbullying.

https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/2021/revised-statutes/title-14/rs-40-7/

  • Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:416.13 Student code of conduct; requirement; bullying; prohibition; notice; reporting; accountability.

https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/2021/revised-statutes/title-17/rs-416-13/

Louisiana asks schools to develop and implement procedures to prevent bullying and harassment behavior and the consequences of such behavior. Policies also explain that procedures are needed for reporting an incidence of bullying and investigating it.

  • Louisiana Administrative Code 28 CXV 1302. Student Code of Conduct.

https://regulations.justia.com/states/louisiana/title-28/part-cxv/chapter-13/section-cxv-1302/

Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:416.13 Student code of conduct; requirement; bullying; prohibition; notice; reporting; accountability.

https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/2021/revised-statutes/title-17/rs-416-13/

  • Louisiana Administrative Code 28 CXV 337. Written Policies and Procedures.

https://regulations.justia.com/states/louisiana/title-28/part-cxv/chapter-3/section-cxv-337/

  • Louisiana Administrative Code 28 CXV 1303. Bullying. 

Louisiana anti-bullying laws cover incidents that occur on school property, school-sponsored events/activities, and off-school property.

  • Louisiana Administrative Code 28 CXV 1303. Bullying. 

https://regulations.justia.com/states/louisiana/title-28/part-cxv/chapter-13/section-cxv-1303/

Louisiana anti-bullying laws cover incidents that occur on school property, school-sponsored events/activities, and off-school property.

  • Louisiana Administrative Code 28 CXV 1303. Bullying. 

https://regulations.justia.com/states/louisiana/title-28/part-cxv/chapter-13/section-cxv-1303/

  • Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:416.13 Student code of conduct; requirement; bullying; prohibition; notice; reporting; accountability.

https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/2021/revised-statutes/title-17/rs-416-13/

Who does this protect? Students, Teachers

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Louisiana schools need to develop plans for dealing with emergencies.

  • Louisiana Administrative Code 28 CXV 339. Emergency Planning and Procedures.

https://regulations.justia.com/states/louisiana/title-28/part-cxv/chapter-3/section-cxv-339/

  • Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:416.16 School crisis management and response plan.

https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/2021/revised-statutes/title-17/rs-416-16/

Parents will be notified when incidents or emergencies occur in school.

  • Louisiana Administrative Code 28 CXV 339. Emergency Planning and Procedures.

https://regulations.justia.com/states/louisiana/title-28/part-cxv/chapter-3/section-cxv-339/

  • Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:416.16 School crisis management and response plan.

https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/2021/revised-statutes/title-17/rs-416-16/

Any city, parish, or other local public school system and any nonpublic school may make or enter into agreements with a local law enforcement agency to provide for school resource officers. They are not explicitly authorized to possess a weapon in school. Students and employees are not either but there are exceptions. 

  • Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:416.19 School Resource Officer.

https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/2021/revised-statutes/title-17/rs-416-19/

  • Louisiana Revised Statutes 14:95.2 Carrying a firearm or dangerous weapon by a student or nonstudent on school property, at school-sponsored functions, or in a firearm-free zone.

https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/2019/revised-statutes/title-14/rs-95-2/

Who does this protect? Students, Staff

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:282.4 Youth suicide prevention programs.

The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education shall prescribe rules and regulations as are necessary and proper for a statewide youth suicide prevention plan in public elementary and secondary schools.

https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/2021/revised-statutes/title-17/rs-282-4/

Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:17.6. Targeted coordinated school health program.

The program’s components include counseling and psychological and social service for students.

https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/2021/revised-statutes/title-17/rs-17-6/

Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:252. School master plans for supporting student behavior and discipline.

The model master plan may include;

  • Providing improved mental health services in or through schools.
  • Improving the coordination of special education and juvenile justice services.
  • Improving classroom management using positive behavioral supports and other effective disciplinary tools.

https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/2021/revised-statutes/title-17/rs-252/

Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:416. The discipline of students; suspension; expulsion.

Disciplinary action for getting involved in bullying includes referral for counseling sessions regarding conflict resolution, stress management, peer mediation, etc.

https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/2021/revised-statutes/title-17/rs-416/

Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:282.2 Character education programs; legislative findings; clearinghouse for information.

Clearinghouse information shall include information about comprehensive character education programs or curricula, which focus on the development of character traits such as honesty, fairness, and respect for self and others.

https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/2021/revised-statutes/title-17/rs-282-2/

Louisiana Administrative Code 28 CXV 2305. Ancillary Areas of Instruction.

Each public school student shall receive age- and grade-appropriate instruction in personal financial management based on the concept of achieving financial literacy through the teaching of personal management skills and the basic principles involved with income, money management, spending, credit, saving, and investing, and the process and responsibilities, including repayment and default, of borrowing money to fund postsecondary education opportunities.

https://regulations.justia.com/states/louisiana/title-28/part-cxv/chapter-23/subchapter-a/section-cxv-2305/

Who does this protect? Students and Staff

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Louisiana provides special services to students with special needs

  • Louisiana Administrative Code 28 CI 1301. Overview.

https://regulations.justia.com/states/louisiana/title-28/part-ci/chapter-13/section-ci-1301/

  • Louisiana Administrative Code 28 CI Chapter 7-Disabilities. 

https://regulations.justia.com/states/louisiana/title-28/part-ci/chapter-7/

  • Louisiana Administrative Code 28 CI Chapter 9- Gifted and talented.

https://regulations.justia.com/states/louisiana/title-28/part-ci/chapter-9/

  • Louisiana Administrative Code 28 CI 103 Child find guides. 

https://regulations.justia.com/states/louisiana/title-28/part-ci/chapter-1/section-ci-103/

Louisiana Administrative Code 28 CI 105. Pupil Appraisal Services.

The purpose of pupil appraisal services is to assist students who have academic, behavioral, and/or communication challenges, adjustment difficulties, or other special needs which are adversely impacting the student’s educational performance by providing services to students, parents, teachers, and other school personnel.

https://regulations.justia.com/states/louisiana/title-28/part-ci/chapter-1/section-ci-105/

Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:416.2. Supervision of suspended or expelled students; alternative education programs.

To support the on-time graduation of students who are suspended, expelled, or at high risk for dropping out or entry into the juvenile justice system, academic, behavioral, and mental health interventions must be provided.

https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/2021/revised-statutes/title-17/rs-416-2/

 

Who does this protect? Students, Students with disabilities

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Teaching/Learning

Louisiana provides special services to students with special needs

  • Louisiana Administrative Code 28 CI 1301. Overview.

https://regulations.justia.com/states/louisiana/title-28/part-ci/chapter-13/section-ci-1301/

  • Louisiana Administrative Code 28 CI Chapter 7-Disabilities. 

https://regulations.justia.com/states/louisiana/title-28/part-ci/chapter-7/

  • Louisiana Administrative Code 28 CI Chapter 9- Gifted and talented.

https://regulations.justia.com/states/louisiana/title-28/part-ci/chapter-9/

  • Louisiana Administrative Code 28 CI 103 Child find guides. 

https://regulations.justia.com/states/louisiana/title-28/part-ci/chapter-1/section-ci-103/

Louisiana Administrative Code 28 CI 105. Pupil Appraisal Services.

The purpose of pupil appraisal services is to assist students who have academic, behavioral, and/or communication challenges, adjustment difficulties, or other special needs which are adversely impacting the student’s educational performance by providing services to students, parents, teachers, and other school personnel.

https://regulations.justia.com/states/louisiana/title-28/part-ci/chapter-1/section-ci-105/

Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:416.2. Supervision of suspended or expelled students; alternative education programs.

To support the on-time graduation of students who are suspended, expelled, or at high risk for dropping out or entry into the juvenile justice system, academic, behavioral, and mental health interventions must be provided.

https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/2021/revised-statutes/title-17/rs-416-2/

 

Who does this protect? Students, Students with disabilities

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Students can get a community service diploma by completing 80 hours of documented community service before graduation.

https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/2021/revised-statutes/title-17/rs-264/

  • Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:183.5. Methods of program development; options to aid in curriculum design; career major teachers.

Arrangements for students to complete more in-depth study through job shadowing, mentoring, paid or unpaid internships, pre-apprenticeships, registered apprenticeship programs, community service, etc.

https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/2021/revised-statutes/title-17/rs-183-5/

Who does this protect? Students

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

Interpersonal Relationships

   Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:111 Discrimination in public schools prohibited; pupil assignment; religious educational institutions.

No person shall be refused admission into or be excluded from any public school in the state of Louisiana on account of race, creed, color, or disability.

https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/2021/revised-statutes/title-17/rs-111/

Who does this protect? Students

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

  Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:282.4 Youth suicide prevention programs.

As part of the prevention, program training will be provided to school personnel and others responsible for counseling or supervising student activities.

https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/2021/revised-statutes/title-17/rs-282-4/

Louisiana Administrative Code 28 CXV 1303. Bullying.

A minimum of four hours of training each year for new school employees who have contact with students, including bus drivers, concerning bullying.

https://regulations.justia.com/states/louisiana/title-28/part-cxv/chapter-13/section-cxv-1303/

Louisiana Administrative Code 28 CXV 1304. Classroom Management Training for School Staff.

School master plans shall include pre-service and ongoing grade-appropriate classroom management training for teachers, principals, and other appropriate school personnel regarding positive behavioral support and reinforcement, conflict resolution, mediation, cultural competence, restorative practices, guidance and discipline, and adolescent development.

https://regulations.justia.com/states/louisiana/title-28/part-cxv/chapter-13/section-cxv-1304/

Louisiana Administrative Code 28 CXV 1127 Preventive Programs. Teachers, school counselors, principals, and certain other school administrators in public elementary and secondary schools shall receive two hours of annual in-service training in suicide prevention addressing risk factors of suicide, secondary trauma from a suicide, child abuse, trauma, etc. 

https://regulations.justia.com/states/louisiana/title-28/part-cxv/chapter-11/section-cxv-1127/

 

Who does this protect? Staff and Students

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:282.4 Youth suicide prevention programs.

The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education shall prescribe rules and regulations as are necessary and proper for a statewide youth suicide prevention plan in public elementary and secondary schools.

https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/2021/revised-statutes/title-17/rs-282-4/

Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:17.6. Targeted coordinated school health program.

The program’s components include counseling and psychological and social service for students.

https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/2021/revised-statutes/title-17/rs-17-6/

Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:252. School master plans for supporting student behavior and discipline.

The model master plan may include;

  • Providing improved mental health services in or through the schools
  • Improving the coordination of special education and juvenile justice services
  • Improving classroom management using positive behavioral supports and other effective disciplinary tools

https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/2021/revised-statutes/title-17/rs-252/

Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:416. The discipline of students; suspension; expulsion.

Disciplinary action for getting involved in bullying includes referral for counseling sessions regarding conflict resolution, stress management, peer mediation, etc.

https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/2021/revised-statutes/title-17/rs-416/

Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:282.2 Character education programs; legislative findings; clearinghouse for information.

Clearinghouse information shall include information about comprehensive character education programs or curricula, which focus on the development of character traits such as honesty, fairness, and respect for self and others.

https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/2021/revised-statutes/title-17/rs-282-2/

Louisiana Administrative Code 28 CXV 2305. Ancillary Areas of Instruction.

Each public school student shall receive age- and grade-appropriate instruction in personal financial management based on the concept of achieving financial literacy through the teaching of personal management skills and the basic principles involved with income, money management, spending, credit, saving, and investing, and the process and responsibilities, including repayment and default, of borrowing money to fund postsecondary education opportunities.

https://regulations.justia.com/states/louisiana/title-28/part-cxv/chapter-23/subchapter-a/section-cxv-2305/

Who does this protect? Students

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Institutional Environment

Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:235.1. Parent orientation; local public-school boards; guidelines.

Each local public school board shall conduct a parent orientation course, providing each parent or guardian a copy of and shall explain school board policies consisting. It shall be scheduled to accommodate the attendance of the parents or guardians without the loss of work. Parents or guardians can attend as many times as they like.

https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/2021/revised-statutes/title-17/rs-235-1/

Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:406.3. Parental advocacy.

Each city and parish school board, and each public elementary and secondary school identify a person or persons who shall serve as a parental advocate for the respective school, school board, or state agency.

https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/2021/revised-statutes/title-17/rs-406-3/

Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:406.6 Parental involvement school policies.

Develop policies to increase parental involvement in schools, involve individuals and organizations that work with parents, and implement parental strategies that lead to improvements in student academic achievement.

https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/2021/revised-statutes/title-17/rs-406-6/

Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:406.8. Parental involvement; parenting classes; recognition for participation.

The governing authority of each public elementary and secondary school is authorized and encouraged to partner with individuals, community and faith-based groups and organizations, and nonprofit and for-profit entities to design and implement programs to increase parental involvement in children’s education and schools.

https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/2021/revised-statutes/title-17/rs-406-8/

Who does this protect? Parents, Students

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Louisiana schools need to develop plans for dealing with emergencies

  • Louisiana Administrative Code 28 CXV 339. Emergency Planning and Procedures.

https://regulations.justia.com/states/louisiana/title-28/part-cxv/chapter-3/section-cxv-339/

  • Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:416.16 School crisis management and response plan.

https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/2021/revised-statutes/title-17/rs-416-16/

Within thirty days of each school year, a safety drill will be conducted to rehearse the plan and Practice drills shall be used to ensure the effectiveness of the procedure.

  • Louisiana Administrative Code 28 CXV 339. Emergency Planning and Procedures.

https://regulations.justia.com/states/louisiana/title-28/part-cxv/chapter-3/section-cxv-339/

  • Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:416.16 School crisis management and response plan.

https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/2021/revised-statutes/title-17/rs-416-16/

Parents will be notified when incidents or emergencies occur in school.

  • Louisiana Administrative Code 28 CXV 339. Emergency Planning and Procedures.

https://regulations.justia.com/states/louisiana/title-28/part-cxv/chapter-3/section-cxv-339/

  • Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:416.16 School crisis management and response plan.

https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/2021/revised-statutes/title-17/rs-416-16/

Any city, parish, or other local public school system and any nonpublic school may make or enter into agreements with a local law enforcement agency to provide for school resource officers. They are not explicitly authorized to possess weapons in school. Students and employees are not either but there are exceptions. 

  • Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:416.19 School Resource Officer.

https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/2021/revised-statutes/title-17/rs-416-19/

  • Louisiana Revised Statutes 14:95.2 Carrying a firearm or dangerous weapon by a student or nonstudent on school property, at school-sponsored functions, or in a firearm-free zone.

https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/2021/revised-statutes/title-14/rs-95-2/

Who does this protect? Students, Staff

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

 

There is no current policy surrounding Social Inclusion in the state of Louisiana. For more information on school climate, please visit us at Services – National School Climate Center

Social Media

The governing authority of each public elementary and secondary school shall provide age and grade-appropriate classroom instruction regarding Internet and cell phone safety.

  • Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:280 Internet and cell phone safety education; required instruction.

https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/2021/revised-statutes/title-17/rs-280/

  • Louisiana Administrative Code 28 CXV 2305. Ancillary Areas of Instruction.

https://regulations.justia.com/states/louisiana/title-28/part-cxv/chapter-23/subchapter-a/section-cxv-2305/

Who does this protect? Students

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

There is currently no policy surrounding Leadership in Louisiana. For more information on school climate, please visit us at Services – National School

There is currently no policy surrounding Professional Relationships in Louisiana. For more information on school climate, please visit us at Services – National School

Sources include: nasbe.org and childtrends.org