The Louisiana education system has achieved remarkable progress, ranking fourth nationally in a newly revisited study based on the 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), often called the Nation’s Report Card, as per this new release from The Louisiana Department of Education. This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy as it represents a significant leap from the state’s 20th-place ranking in a similar analysis from 2019. The report highlights Louisiana’s commitment to improving education outcomes while addressing demographic factors that impact student performance.

The study, conducted by the Urban Institute, adjusts NAEP scores based on demographic variables such as income levels, ethnicity, language barriers, and exceptionalities. This method aims to provide a clearer picture of how well states are supporting their students relative to those with similar challenges. Published since 2015, this analysis offers a nuanced understanding of educational performance across the nation, emphasizing growth and equity.

The 2022 NAEP marked the first time the assessment was administered since 2019, after being paused due to theCOVID-19 pandemic. This return provided a critical opportunity to measure how states have rebounded in key academic areas. Louisiana’s adjusted ranking of fourth overall reflects a strong recovery and targeted efforts to support students and teachers. The results highlight Louisiana’s ability to make strides not only in overall performance but also in closing achievement gaps for underserved populations.

The NAEP results align with other indicators of Louisiana’s educational success. A joint study by Harvard and Stanford noted that Louisiana’s reading scores in 2023 were higher than in 2019, making it one of only three states to achieve this milestone. The study also praised Louisiana’s math recovery, which surpassed national trends.

Additionally, the state moved from 46th to 40th in U.S. News & World Report’s Best States rankings for PK-12 education, reflecting improvements across multiple metrics. Louisiana has also seen three consecutive years of growth in its school performance scores, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and reaching a new statewide high under the current evaluation system.

Dr. Cade Brumley, Louisiana’s State Superintendent of Education, credited a “back-to-basics” approach for these achievements. He explained that the state’s efforts to support teachers and focus on fundamental student outcomes have driven this progress. However, he emphasized that there is still work to be done, noting that Louisiana is committed to making bold decisions to sustain and accelerate its upward trajectory.

One area of focus has been early literacy. Louisiana ranked first in a national list recognizing states with comprehensive policies to promote foundational reading skills. These policies aim to ensure students can achieve academic success and reach their full potential.

The Nation’s Report Card serves as the most comprehensive and representative assessment of student performance in the United States. Administered biennially since 2003, it evaluates fourth and eighth graders in reading and math. As the “gold standard” of student assessments, NAEP provides valuable insights into how well states prepare their students for future academic and professional success.

While the 2022 NAEP showed troubling declines in many states due to the pandemic, Louisiana stood out by avoiding dramatic losses and achieving notable growth. These results highlight the resilience of Louisiana’s students and educators, as well as the effectiveness of targeted policies and interventions. With the next NAEP assessment scheduled for 2024 and results expected in early 2025, Louisiana has an opportunity to build on its recent successes. Continued investment in teacher support, literacy initiatives, and equitable resources will be critical to maintaining this momentum.

Louisiana’s rise in national rankings demonstrates the power of focused, data-driven strategies in transforming education systems. By addressing demographic challenges head-on and prioritizing foundational skills, the state is paving the way for sustained academic growth and opportunity for all students.

For more education-related information, click here.