Vouchers, Evolution Top Issues in La.

Louisiana lawmakers ventured into some especially controversial terrain in their recently concluded session with approval of a $10 million voucher program for New Orleans and of a bill that could lead to changes in how public schools teach evolution.

The Louisiana Science Education Act , which Gov. Bobby Jindal signed into law June 26, allows school districts to use supplemental classroom materials that help students “analyze, critique, and review” scientific theories, including “evolution, the origins of life, global warming, and human cloning.”

A day earlier, Gov. Jindal signed a measure that would permit roughly 1,500 New Orleans students in low-performing public schools to receive tuition vouchers worth up to about $6,300 each to attend secular or religious private schools this fall. The voucher plan was considered a top priority...