SCR 65

2026 Regular Session  ENROLLED
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 65
BY SENATOR EDMONDS
  A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
To create and provide for the K-12 Student Success Pathways Task Force to study and make
       recommendations on a statewide plan for advising students on career and academic
       pathways in K-12 public schools.
       WHEREAS, the Legislature of Louisiana recognizes that, in order for students to
achieve meaningful careers after high school, they must acquire the knowledge and skills
necessary for success in their chosen career paths during their elementary and secondary
education years; and
       WHEREAS, the preparation of students for meaningful careers is a top priority of
the state; and
       WHEREAS, research shows that early and consistent academic and career counseling
in K-12 schools helps more students graduate, continue their education, and enter the
workforce prepared; and
       WHEREAS, career counseling in elementary and high school helps students connect
their schoolwork to future career and academic goals; and
       WHEREAS, studies confirm that strong academic and career counseling programs
are key to helping students prepare for meaningful jobs that also meet the state's workforce
needs; and
       WHEREAS, workforce data shows that many students graduate without fully
developed academic or career plans, thereby highlighting gaps between school career
counseling systems, workforce needs, and the state's education programs; and
       WHEREAS, access to academic and career counseling varies across Louisiana,
leaving some students without the guidance they need; and
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       WHEREAS, Louisiana's long-term economic growth depends on preparing students
to be ready for both college and careers; therefore, it is important to create a coordinated
statewide advisory system that supports all students' academic and career goals; and
       WHEREAS, Louisiana has made progress in strengthening college and career
readiness through efforts such as counselor training, the Jump Start and Fast Forward
programs, and the Individual Graduation Plan, all of which give students opportunities to
earn credentials, gain work experience, and plan for their futures; and
       WHEREAS, as Louisiana continues to grow economically and expand its industries,
it is important to ensure that students are prepared to meet the needs of both existing and
emerging jobs, and that education and workforce systems work together to support these
opportunities.
       THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
establish and provide for the K-12 Student Success Pathways Task Force to study state
public school programs that advise students on career and academic pathways in K-12 public
schools and to propose recommendations, together with specific proposals for legislation,
by written report to the legislature and to the David R. Poynter Legislative Research Library
as required by R.S. 24:771 and 772, no later than January 21, 2027, for an interim report and
no later than January 21, 2028, for the final report.
       BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force should include consideration of
all of the following:
       (1) Examine the ideal student and family engagement progression plan, study how
career exploration, Individual Graduation Plans, and college planning are implemented
across K-12 schools, and identify best practices and areas for improvement.
       (2) Review relevant Louisiana laws, assess their implementation, identify barriers,
and consider best practices from other states.
       (3) Evaluate career counseling staffing models to ensure schools can meet student
needs, including the use of external partners, so counselors can effectively support students'
academic and career development.
       (4) Identify barriers to effective career counseling staffing and recommend solutions
to ensure all students have access to quality career counseling services.
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       (5) Develop recommendations for a statewide strategy that aligns career counseling
with workforce and college goals to prepare all students for success after high school.
       BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall consist of the following
members:
       (1) The chairman of the Senate Committee on Education, or his designee.
       (2) The chairman of the House Committee on Education, or her designee.
       (3) The state superintendent of education, or his designee, who will serve as
chairman.
       (4) The commissioner of higher education, or his designee.
       (5) The secretary of Louisiana Works, or her designee.
       (6) The executive director of the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance,
or her designee.
       (7) The president of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, or his
designee.
       (8) One member appointed by the governor.
       (9) The chairman of the Louisiana School Counselors Association, or his designee.
       (10) The executive director of the Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools,
or his designee.
       (11) The executive director of the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents,
or his designee.
       (12) The executive director of the Louisiana School Boards Association, or her
designee.
       (13) The president of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, or his
designee.
       (14) The chief executive officer of Leaders for a Better Louisiana, or his designee.
       (15) The president of the Public Affairs Research Council, or his designee.
       (16) The chief executive officer of YouthForce NOLA, or her designee.
       (17) One member who is a parent of a public high school student, appointed by the
state superintendent of education.
       (18) One member who is a current public high school student, appointed by the state
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superintendent of education.
        (19) One member who is a current public high school student, appointed by the
Legislative Youth Advisory Council.
        (20) The executive director of Louisiana Kids Matter, or his designee.
        (21) The chairman of Louisiana Associated Builders and Contractors, or his
designee.
        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that each designating authority shall submit the
names of designees to the task force to the state superintendent of education, or his designee,
no later than July 15, 2026.
        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the task force shall convene for its first meeting no
later than September 1, 2026, at the call of state superintendent of education, or his designee.
The task force shall convene for its first meeting no later than September 1, 2026, at the call
of the chairman and shall meet at least quarterly.
        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in conducting this study the task force may
request staff support from the state superintendent of education, or his designee.
        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a majority of the task force shall constitute a
quorum for the transaction of business. All official actions of the task force shall require the
affirmative vote of a majority of the members.
        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of the task force shall serve
without compensation, except per diem or expenses reimbursement to which they may be
individually entitled as members of their constituent organizations.
        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall terminate on the date of the
submission of its final report or January 21, 2028, whichever occurs first.
        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
state superintendent of education, the commissioner of higher education, the secretary of
Louisiana Works, the executive director of the Louisiana Office of Student Financial
Assistance, the president of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, the
governor, the chair of the Louisiana School Counselors Association, the executive director
of the Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools, the executive director of the
Louisiana Association of School Superintendents, the executive director of the Louisiana
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School Boards Association, the president of the Louisiana Association of Business and
Industry, the chief executive officer of Leaders for a Better Louisiana, the president of the
Public Affairs Research Council, the president of YouthForce NOLA, and the Legislative
Youth Advisory Council.
  PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
  SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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