§ 17:3129.8 — Affordable digital textbook and learning materials pilot programs

Louisiana § 17:3129.8

• Jurisdiction: Louisiana
• Title 17: Credit Union Law

Text

§3129.8. Affordable digital textbook and learning materials pilot programs
A. The Board of Regents, referred to in this Section as the "board", in collaboration
with the public postsecondary education management boards, shall develop and implement
pilot programs to provide open and no-cost digital textbooks, study tools, online homework,
and open educational resources that can be used to improve student outcomes. The pilot
programs for which funds will be awarded shall be selected by the board in accordance with
the criteria set forth in this Section.
B. The board shall:
(1) Issue a request for applications from public postsecondary education management
boards for proposals for pilot programs.
(2) Prioritize pilot programs that provide the most benefit to socially and
economically disadvantaged and historically underrepresented students. This may be
determined by identifying courses with a high percentage of enrollment of groups of such
students and the potential for large-scale adoption of open educational resources in the
courses.
(3) Award funds for pilot programs to replace existing commercial textbooks
available to students only through purchase with open educational resources as defined in
R.S. 17:3129.9. The open educational resources used in pilot programs shall be made
available to students at no cost with unlimited access not later than the first day of classes
of the first semester in which the program is being implemented. Priority shall be placed on
using open educational resources that carry an open license that allow faculty to customize
course materials to improve student learning outcomes.
(4) Enter into contracts with management boards administering pilot programs. At
a minimum, the contracts shall require the following:
(a) Revised and newly created course materials including ancillary materials and
related learning materials.
(b) Instructional materials be made available in the statewide digital platform of open
educational resources maintained by LOUIS: The Louisiana Library Network in order to
ensure materials are discoverable and widely available. Materials shall be made available
under a license consistent with the availability of open educational resource materials.
C.(1) In submitting proposals pursuant to Subsection B of this Section, management
boards interested in participating shall:
(a) Demonstrate the anticipated number of students who would benefit from the
program; the courses in which the awarded funds will be used, the textbooks currently being
used in the courses, and the proposed use of open educational resources in the courses; and
the estimated average amount of savings per student.
(b) Either propose customizing course instruction to currently available open
educational resources or developing new course instruction using open educational resources.
(c) Identify the faculty who would customize course instruction to existing open
educational resources or develop new course instruction using open educational resources.
(2) In awarding funding, the board shall give priority to proposals that include the
following:
(a) Targeted learning modules to provide additional student supports to combat
ongoing learning loss.
(b) Resources to help students develop necessary employability skills including but
not limited to digital skills, financial literacy, time management, communication, and goal
setting.
D.(1) The provisions of this Section shall be implemented beginning with the 2024
fall semester.
(2) The provisions of this Section shall terminate September 2, 2026.
(3) Not later than September 1, 2026, the Board of Regents shall provide a written
report to the governor, the president of the Senate, the speaker of the House of
Representatives, and the chairmen of the legislative committees on education and commerce
on the program.

Legislative History

Acts 2023, No. 128, §1.