PAR assesses accountability issue of public education reform

Published Jun 8, 2012 at 10:00 am (Updated Jun 8, 2012)

The Public Affairs Research Council says the new public education laws from the 2012 legislative session have the potential to make a positive impact on the quality of the state's education system. PAR, which is an independent government watchdog group, says the most critical task now is to develop approval and eligibility procedures for the voucher, course choice and tax rebate plans, and to establish accountability methods so that taxpayers can be confident their money is being well-spent. PAR will continue to monitor the Department of Education's progress on these fronts. Meanwhile, the emphasis of the reforms' major proponents on parental choice as the sole criterion for regulation and accountability could affect the positive momentum Louisiana has shown through student and school performance accountability. While a separate commentary on the overall legislative session is forthcoming from the PAR, its entire commentary on education reforms can be read here.