Committee endorses bill to integrate career coaches into graduation planning

The Senate Education Committee on April 17 reported SB 482 favorably after adopting technical amendments to clarify language.

Sponsor remarks described SB 482 as an expansion of Louisiana's individual graduation plans by formally integrating career coaches alongside counselors and parents in eighth- and tenth-grade planning, signing annual reviews and meeting with parents prior to changes. The bill directs the Department of Education to provide professional development for career coaches and to publish a statewide list of approved career-coaching vendors by Jan. 1, 2027. It also requires annual reporting of districts that failed to spend 95% of career development fund dollars.

"Why are the career coaches important for student outcomes? Career coaches can ensure that the students' IGP is grounded and informed by career interests rather than course selection alone," the bill sponsor told the committee. Committee members adopted a technical amendment (2,191) and reported the bill favorably by voice vote.

The committee noted the bill aligns with existing BESE bulletins referenced in testimony and said the Department would oversee the professional-development and reporting requirements.