Stand up for safe classrooms, testing transparency, and parental leave!

At the Louisiana Federation of Teachers, we believe in safe, welcoming classrooms for all. We also believe in accountability, transparency, and pathways to a better life for all. That's why we're asking you to take action on 3 important bills moving through the state legislature right now.

✅ HB 818 would call for more transparency in state testing for students, parents, and educators. Educators deserve to know whether assessments are useful, timely, and non-duplicative. Parents deserve a clearer picture of what their children are required to take. Legislators deserve a statewide view of what testing is required across Louisiana. HB 818 would require the state to post a statewide mandated assessment schedule. It also requires each public school governing authority to publicly post a schedule of locally adopted or required benchmarks, interim assessments, screeners, progress-monitoring assessments, and other locally required assessments.

✅ HB 283, the Teacher’s Shield Act, is a targeted school safety bill that addresses assault and battery involving students and school employees. It would create a clear response when a student is formally accused of assault or battery on a student or school employee, while also creating protections for educators on sick leave and ensuring the discipline of a student with exceptionalities must remain consistent with state and federal special education protections.

✅ SB 157 would grant paid parental leave to teachers and school employees. The bill would provide six weeks of paid parental leave at 100% of base pay for eligible employees. It also includes clear local implementation procedures, allows reasonable documentation, coordinates with FMLA, and helps school systems address coverage needs.

If passed, these bills would make stronger, more sustainable schools for Louisiana's kids. Click here and tell lawmakers to vote YES on HB 818, HB 283, and SB 157!