2011 Louisiana Laws
Revised Statutes
TITLE 17 — Education
RS 17:274.1 — Civics and free enterprise; required


LA Rev Stat § 17:274.1 What's This?

§274.1. Civics and Free Enterprise; required

A. All public high schools shall give instruction in Civics and Free Enterprise as a prerequisite to graduation. Instruction shall be given in accordance with the course of study prescribed by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education as provided in this Section. The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education shall prescribe suitable teaching materials for the instruction.

B.(1) For students who enter the ninth grade on or after July 1, 2011, instruction in Civics shall be given for two semesters, equal to one unit of credit; such instruction shall include a section on Free Enterprise.

(2) Students who enter the ninth grade prior to July 1, 2011, shall be allowed to choose from the following:

(a) Instruction in Civics for two semesters, equal to one unit of credit, which shall include a section on Free Enterprise.

(b) Instruction in Civics and Free Enterprise in separate courses, and instruction shall be given in each course for one semester, equal to one-half unit of credit, respectively.

C.(1) The legislature finds that the study of Free Enterprise is crucial in the development of students as thoughtful, active citizens who understand the American economic system, appreciate democratic values, and can function productively in society. The legislature further finds it appropriate that the important principles of Free Enterprise be incorporated into the Civics curriculum as essential components of the way the nation and state operate. For the purposes of this Section,"Free Enterprise" means an economic system characterized by private or corporate ownership of capital goods, by investments that are determined by private decision rather than state control and by prices, production, and the distribution of goods that are determined in a free manner. Such instruction shall emphasize the positive values of profit and competition in a free economy and the enhancement of the worth and dignity of the individual under such a system.

(2) Free Enterprise instruction shall include coursework on personal finance, which shall include but not be limited to the following components:

(a) Income.

(b) Money management.

(c) Spending and credit.

(d) Savings and investing.

Added by Acts 1976, No. 83, §1. Acts 1984, No. 283, §1; Acts 2010, No. 327, §1.

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