Louisiana’s dedication to Pre-K-12 education has seen a notable upswing, as reflected in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best States national rankings. Moving from its previous position of 41st to 40th place, this marks the state’s highest ranking yet in this national evaluation, as per this this news release from the Louisiana Department of Education. This positive trajectory follows closely on the heels of a significant leap of five places in the preceding year.

Dr. Cade Brumley, Louisiana’s State Superintendent of Education, expressed his optimism about this progress, attributing it to the concerted efforts of both students and educators. He noted, however, that there remains more ground to cover in ensuring a high-quality education for every student.

The improvement in the national rankings for  Louisiana’s educational landscape can be attributed to several key factors. There has been a fundamental shift in teaching methodologies, particularly in the realm of literacy instruction. Emphasis has been placed on bolstering foundational math skills and preparing students for both college and career paths. Moreover, bold policy decisions have underscored a return to basics approach in education.

BESE President Ronnie Morris echoed Dr. Brumley’s sentiments, commending the relentless dedication of educators and stakeholders towards fostering positive outcomes for students. He emphasized the collaborative efforts between policymakers, educators, and stakeholders as pivotal in driving this success.

The data corroborates the strides made by Louisiana’s education system. Notably, the state witnessed an improvement in average reading achievement levels, surpassing those recorded in 2019. Furthermore, Louisiana was recognized for its comprehensive early literacy policy, which lays the groundwork for students to thrive academically. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Louisiana has managed to surpass its pre-pandemic school performance scores, indicative of sustained growth.

High school students in Louisiana achieved record-breaking results on Advanced Placement tests, underscoring the efficacy of the state’s educational initiatives. Additionally, the Class of 2023 saw a notable increase in the average ACT scores, defying the national trend. The LEAP scores, a measure of student proficiency, also witnessed a steady uptick, with 75% of school systems showing improvement.

Louisiana’s 4th graders emerged as national leaders in reading growth, a testament to the effectiveness of targeted interventions. Furthermore, the state’s overall ranking on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)improved significantly, moving from 46th to 42nd place between 2019 and 2022.

The U.S. News & World Report’s Pre-K-12 ranking serves as a barometer for state-level educational performance, encompassing various metrics such as preschool enrollment, standardized test scores, high school graduation rates, and college readiness. Louisiana’s commendable performance on these fronts underscores its commitment to educational excellence.

The recent state rankings released by U.S. News & World Report further validate Louisiana’s educational strides. The state’s upward trajectory, particularly in Pre-K-12 education, signifies a step in the right direction. Dr. Brumley acknowledged the collective efforts of educators and policymakers in driving this positive change while acknowledging the need for continued progress.

This improvement in national rankings aligns with the encouraging findings from NAEP, where Louisiana’s 4th graders outperformed their peers nationwide in reading proficiency. Over the past four years, Louisiana has consistently improved its overall Pre-K-12 ranking, making noteworthy advancements across various categories including college readiness, high school graduation rates, and academic proficiency.

In summary, Louisiana’s ascent in national education rankings is a testament to its unwavering commitment to educational excellence. Through collaborative efforts and targeted interventions, the state has made significant strides in improving educational outcomes for its students. However, this journey towards educational equity and excellence is ongoing, and continued efforts are essential to sustain this momentum.

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