LAC 28:CXV.2305. Ancillary Areas of Instruction

A. Each LEA may develop a character education philosophy and implementation plan consistent with its locally developed curriculum. B. 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 and credit, saving and investing, and the process and responsibilities, including repayment and default, of borrowing money to fund postsecondary education opportunities. Such instruction may be integrated into an existing course of study. C. A public high school shall offer an elective course in American sign language, provided that at least 15 students in a school request the course and a certified teacher is available. D. Any public school in Louisiana may offer instruction in sex education, provided such instruction and subject matter is integrated into an existing course of study such as biology, science, physical hygiene, or physical education. 1. Such instruction should encourage sexual abstinence outside of marriage, and such instruction shall not include religious beliefs, practices in human sexuality, nor the subjective moral and ethical judgments of the instructor or other persons. 2. No such instruction shall be offered in kindergarten or in grades one through six, except that the Orleans Parish School Board may offer instruction in sex education at the third grade level or higher. 3. When offered, such instruction shall be available also to special education students at age-appropriate levels. 4. Any student may be excused from receiving instruction in sex education at the option and discretion of his or her parent or guardian according to procedures provided by the LEA. Such instruction may be offered at times other than during the regular school day, as determined by the LEA. 5. An LEA that chooses to offer instruction in sex education shall provide the following information to the parents and/or guardians of the students: a. a description of the course contents; b. a listing of course materials to be used; and c. the qualifications of the instructor(s). E. All books, films, and other materials to be used in instruction in sex education shall be submitted to and approved by the local educational governing authority and by a parental review committee, whose membership shall be determined by such board. F. Historical Programs. Each school shall hold an educational program pertaining to the United States Constitution on Constitution Day, September 17, of each year. The purpose of the program is to commemorate the September 17, 1787 signing of the Constitution. When September 17 falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, the Constitution Day program shall be held during the preceding or following week. 1. In conjunction with Constitution Day and Constitution Week, each public school governing authority shall observe Celebrate Freedom Week. 2. Students shall receive age and grade appropriate instruction on topics related to freedom, the nation’s founding, and the intent, meaning, and importance of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. G. Each LEA will adopt policies regarding access by students to internet and online sites that contain or make reference to harmful, violent, pervasively vulgar material, obscene material, child pornography, or sexually harassing material conducive to the creation of a hostile or dangerous school environment. H. Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, each public high school shall provide instruction in computer science to students, and each public school with students in sixth through eighth grade shall provide instruction in exploratory computer science. I. Beginning with the 2027-2028 school year, each public elementary school shall provide instruction in the basics of computer science and computational thinking.