Collection:LPB

Genre: Newsmagazine

Place Covered: Louisiana

Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority

Date Issued: 1981-09-16

Duration: 00:28:30

Subjects: Education | TEACHERS | School integration. | National teacher examinations | Teacher certification | Professional Improvement Program | Professional Practices Commission

Contributors:

• Collins, Robert Host
• Smith, Rick Reporter
• Leslie, Carole Reporter
• Arceneaux, William Interviewee
• Nix, J. Kelly Interviewee
• Ducote, Jackie Interviewee
• Sneigle, Pam Interviewee
• Picard, Cecil Interviewee

This episode of the series “Education Update” from September 16, 1981, features the latest education news in Louisiana. Robert Collins first reports on the education headlines from the summer. Next, Rick Smith reports on the status of the school desegregation cases around the state, including East Baton Rouge Parish, Monroe, Caddo Parish, and Natchitoches Parish. Carole Leslie then reports on the upcoming changes to the National Teacher Examination (NTE), the test used for teacher certification, as well as the results of the statewide standardized tests for students. Her report includes an interview with Commissioner of Higher Education William Arceneaux. Next, Collins reports on the indictment of two Louisiana Department of Education employees for their involvement in an alleged kickback scheme related to education contracts. His report includes highlights of Superintendent of Education J. Kelly Nix denying any involvement in the scheme. Lastly, Collins leads a panel discussion with: Jackie Ducote, the director of Advocates for Public Participation in Louisiana Education (APPLE); Pam Sneigle of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers (LFT); and State Senator Cecil Picard, a former educator. They discuss the Professional Improvement Program (PIPS), a bonus pay plan for teachers who participate in authorized continuing education classes, and the Professional Practices Commission (PPC).