Louisiana § RS 17:273.1 - Critical languages; teaching in public schools
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 17:273.1 — Critical languages; teaching in public schools, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 17:273.1. Critical languages; teaching in public schools
A. As expeditiously as possible, but not later than the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year, the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education shall ensure that secondary school students are afforded the opportunity to study at least one of the critical languages as defined by the United States Department of State and the United States Department of Education.
B. The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education may phase in implementation of the requirements of this Section in accordance with the following timeline:
(1) Not later than the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year, students enrolled in at least twenty-five percent of the secondary schools in the state shall have the opportunity to study a critical language.
(2) Not later than the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year, students enrolled in at least fifty percent of the secondary schools in the state shall have the opportunity to study a critical language.
(3) Not later than the beginning of the 2012-2013 school year, students enrolled in at least seventy-five percent of the secondary schools in the state shall have the opportunity to study a critical language.
(4) Not later than the beginning of the 2013-2014 school year, every student enrolled in a secondary school in the state shall be afforded the opportunity to study at least one of the critical languages as defined by the United States Department of State and the United States Department of Education.
C. The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education shall submit a written report regarding the progress made in implementing the provisions of this Section to the Senate Committee on Education and the House Committee on Education not later than March fifteenth of each year, until such time as the provisions of this Section have been fully implemented.
Acts 2008, No. 770, §1, eff. when sufficient funds are appropriated.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 17:273.1
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 17:273.1 cover?
Section RS 17:273.1 ("Critical languages; teaching in public schools") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Louisiana § RS 17:273.1?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 17:273.1" (Louisiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Louisiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.
How does Louisiana § RS 17:273.1 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.