Author: Emily Gautreaux

Simplifying Success: Louisiana’s New K-12 Accountability Framework

In a significant move to elevate educational standards, the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) has unveiled a comprehensive plan titled Grow.Achieve.Thrive, as per this news release from LDOE. This plan, approved by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), is set to transform the state’s K-12 accountability system starting from the 2025-26 academic year. The goal is to not only enhance academic success but also to place greater emphasis on career education, making it simpler for the public to assess school performance.

The Grow.Achieve.Thrive. initiative rests on three pivotal drivers: simplicity and transparency, high expectations, and a focus on career and college readiness. A hallmark of the new system is its simplicity and transparency, achieved through the implementation of a 100-point grading scale. This scale is designed to provide a clear and straightforward method for evaluating school performance, ensuring that stakeholders can easily interpret the results.

The plan sets higher academic expectations by raising the bar for student outcomes. The objective is to drive performance to unprecedented levels, pushing students to achieve greater academic success across all core subjects. Emphasizing career education and college preparation, the plan ensures that students are ready for the next steps after high school, whether that involves higher education, entering the workforce, or military service.

Dr. Cade Brumley, the Louisiana State Superintendent of Education, highlighted the dedication and effort behind the accountability plan. He emphasized that the revised system is the result of three years of concerted efforts aimed at elevating educational expectations. According to Brumley, this new system will not only drive performance to new heights but also offer the public a clearer understanding of school quality.

BESE President Ronnie Morris echoed this sentiment, noting that K-12 education in Louisiana is moving in a positive direction. He stated that the new, simplified standard for measuring school performance will bolster this momentum. By focusing on core skill development, academic growth, and work-based learning opportunities, the new accountability measures will strengthen Louisiana’s educational foundation and unlock meaningful opportunities for more students.

The name Grow.Achieve.Thrive. is derived from the three core student expectations: growth, achievement, and thriving beyond high school.

Grow: The ‘Grow’ component focuses on measuring the number of students who show academic growth in math and English each year. Special attention is given to the lowest-achieving students and those learning English, ensuring they receive the necessary support to progress.

Achieve: Under ‘Achieve,’ schools are evaluated based on the number of students who achieve proficiency in math, English, science, and social studies. This component underscores the importance of a well-rounded education in core academic subjects.

Thrive: The ‘Thrive’ aspect measures high schools by the number of students graduating on time, demonstrating readiness on nationally recognized exams, and preparing for future endeavors by earning college credits or high-value career credentials coupled with work experience.

The Grow.Achieve.Thrive. plan will be fully implemented in the 2025-26 school year. However, to prepare schools and systems for this transition, simulated scores will be provided for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 academic years. This approach allows schools to adapt to the new system and make necessary adjustments ahead of its official launch.

Louisiana’s Accountability Scorecard will play a crucial role in this new system, incorporating foundational elements essential to student success. These elements will be averaged to produce a comprehensive score for each school and system, reflecting their performance across multiple dimensions.

The Grow.Achieve.Thrive. plan marks a significant step forward for Louisiana’s educational system. By setting higher expectations and focusing on transparency, academic growth, and career readiness, the state is laying a strong foundation for future success. This initiative promises to provide students with the skills and opportunities they need to excel in their academic and professional lives.

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Discovering the Delights of Easton, Maryland’s Eastern Shore

The Eastern Shore of Maryland is an enchanting destination, and the town of Easton epitomizes this charm. Located just an hour from Washington, D.C., Easton offers a serene escape filled with activities for foodies, history buffs, and avid shoppers. Whether you’re staying downtown or exploring its quaint streets, Easton promises a delightful experience. Here’s a useful travel guide, courtesy of Southern Living, to make the most of your visit to this charming spot in Chesapeake Country.

Stay Downtown at The Tidewater Inn

Located in the heart of downtown Easton, the Tidewater Inn is the perfect base for your stay. This historic inn offers comfortable accommodations and a restaurant, Hunters’ Tavern, where you can enjoy meals throughout the day without leaving the property. Its central location means you can easily explore Easton on foot.

Attend Local Events

Easton is steeped in history, and there’s no shortage of events and sights to enjoy. Every Saturday from late April through mid-December, visit the local farmers’ market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Here, you can find fresh produce, local crafts, and more. For a deeper dive into the town’s history, sign up for a historical walking tour to explore significant sites such as the Ebenezer Methodist Episcopal Church, Market House, and Bullitt House.

Performances at Prager Family Center for the Arts

The Prager Family Center for the Arts at the Ebenezer Theater hosts a variety of performances throughout the year. From notable guest performances to movie nights and educational events, there’s always something happening. Be sure to check the schedule and grab tickets to a show during your visit.

Main Street Boutiques

Easton’s Main Street is lined with charming boutiques perfect for a leisurely shopping spree. Favorites include Curlicue, Dragonfly Boutique, and Lizzy Dee, offering everything from clothing to unique gifts. Each store provides a unique shopping experience with carefully curated collections.

The Wardroom for Food Gifts

For the culinary enthusiast, The Wardroom is a must-visit. This shop offers an array of wines, spreads, crackers, and more, making it easy to pack your bags with delicious souvenirs. It’s also a great spot for a wine tasting, adding a delightful twist to your shopping adventure.

Vintage and New Books

Book lovers will find joy in Easton’s quaint bookshops. Vintage Books is perfect for those who love hunting for rare finds and classics. The neatly organized shelves make it easy to discover treasures, from coffee table books to novels. For brand new reads, Flying Cloud Booksellers is an independent shop that offers a wide selection of books and magazines, ensuring something for every reader.

Fine Art and Unique Gifts

Before you leave, make sure to visit Flying Cloud Fine Art Posters and Benjamin. Flying Cloud offers a remarkable selection of vintage posters, including travel, fashion, and automotive themes. Though originals are pricey, prints are available for a more accessible keepsake. Benjamin, on the other hand, showcases exquisite items like Nymphenburg porcelain, Lobmeyr glass, and Wiener Silber from Vienna. These stores offer timeless pieces perfect for gifts or personal collections.

Casual Lunch Options

For lunch, head to Roma Alla Pala for delicious pizza, available by the slice or as a whole pie. If you prefer a lighter option, Sunflowers and Greens offers fresh salads with the choice to create your own. Both spots are ideal for a satisfying midday meal.

Sweet Treats and Morning Beverages

Satisfy your sweet tooth at Bonheur Ice Cream and Pie, where the elegant decor is as delightful as the desserts. Don’t forget to take a photo against the beautiful Gracie wallpaper backdrop. For your morning caffeine fix, visit Weather Gage for freshly baked pastries and coffee, or opt for a healthy start at Bumble Bee Juice with smoothies and acai bowls. Both places offer charming interiors and outdoor seating.

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Combining Traditions: A Bigger, Better Houma Festival

In a remarkable display of community spirit, two annual events in Mechanicville, Louisiana, merged to create a larger and more vibrant Houma festival. Local residents Rashad Rainey and Chris Johnson decided to bring together their individual celebrations, culminating in a significant event at the Mechanicville Gym, as per this article from Houma Today. This combined festival, featuring the Big Business Basketball Tournament – Business Expo and the Mechanicville Reunion, took place on June 15, from 9:30 a.m. to around 6 or 7 p.m.

Open to the public, the Houma festival of gatherings offered free food and entertainment, ensuring a day filled with enjoyment and community engagement. This year marked the third occurrence of Rainey’s basketball tournament and business expo, while Johnson’s reunion picnic was in its second year. The synchrony of their events was initially serendipitous, but both organizers expressed a strong intention to maintain this joint effort in the future.

Reflecting on the significance of the event, Chris Johnson emphasized its role in fostering community connections. He described it as “a community day,” likening it to a large picnic where attendees could reconnect with old friends and acquaintances. The reunion, which first took place in 2022, had skipped a year before making a comeback. This was Johnson’s first time organizing it again, motivated by a desire to uplift a community still reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. The storm had left both the population and the morale of the community in decline, and Johnson aimed to create an event that would provide a reason for everyone to come together.

Johnson explained that the Houma festival fostered unity among the residents and boosted the community’s morale. He believed that events like these were crucial for revitalizing the neighborhood and rebuilding a sense of togetherness.

The basketball tournament took place in the gym, with the business expo set up around the court. Eight local teams, each sponsored by a business, competed for the tournament’s trophy, T-shirts, and, of course, bragging rights. Rashad Rainey, who initiated the tournament three years ago, aimed to create a networking opportunity for business owners and community members. His goal was to facilitate connections that could help organize future community events more effectively.

Rainey highlighted the importance of meeting people within their community, especially those who rarely venture outside of it. He believed that by interacting with local companies, residents could better understand which businesses were there to support them. Beyond networking, Rainey emphasized the availability of resources to assist the public with business creation and development. The expo featured voter registration booths, military recruiters, and health resources, offering a comprehensive support system for attendees.

“Meeting people where they are is important, especially for those who spend their entire lives within our community,” Rainey noted. “Seeing local businesses interact with residents helps everyone understand who is genuinely there for them.”

Johnson noted the irony in the simultaneous timing of the events, asserting that it ultimately worked out for the best. He pointed out that having business people witness the community’s efforts to rebuild and thrive was beneficial. It demonstrated that the community was resilient and eager to move forward. “The timing of our events turned out to be perfect,” Johnson remarked. “Having business professionals see our community’s resilience and efforts to stand back up is incredibly encouraging.”

The success of the combined festival underscored the strength and resilience of the Mechanicville community. By merging their events, Rashad Rainey and Chris Johnson not only created a day of enjoyment but also laid the foundation for future collaborations, fostering unity, support, and growth within the community for years to come.

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UL Lafayette’s New Biosafety Lab: Pioneering Research

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette) has embarked on a transformative journey by expanding its New Iberia Research Center (NIRC). This expansion is set to revolutionize the region’s capabilities in scientific research and economic development, according to this news release from UL Lafayette. The highlight of this ambitious project is the construction of a Level 3 biosafety lab, a facility designed to enhance the scope and depth of research conducted on-site.

The recent groundbreaking ceremony for the Level 3 biosafety lab signifies a monumental step forward. This lab is poised to become a cornerstone in Louisiana’s emerging economic sector. The significance of this development cannot be overstated, as it promises to elevate the state’s status in the realm of advanced biomedical research.

Alongside the biosafety lab, the construction of the Iberia BioInnovation Accelerator at Progress Point Business Parkis underway. Together, these facilities will form the Bieaux Tech Technology Hub, a cutting-edge research and development nexus in Iberia Parish. This hub will be instrumental in fostering innovation and collaboration, propelling the region to the forefront of biopharmaceutical advancements.

Dr. Joseph Savoie, President of UL Lafayette, emphasized the critical role the new biosafety lab will play in addressing healthcare challenges and improving health outcomes. During the groundbreaking event, he articulated the vision of a future where research, testing, manufacturing, and market release of new drugs occur within a compact, efficient 5-mile radius. This integrated approach not only streamlines the drug development process but also holds the potential to significantly benefit global healthcare and the local economy.

The combined capabilities of NIRC, the biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility, and the BioInnovation Acceleratorpaint a promising picture of the future. This comprehensive ecosystem is designed to foster rapid advancements in drug development, positioning the region as a hub of innovation and economic growth.

The development of these projects is supported by a substantial investment of nearly $50 million in state capital outlay funds. Legislative leaders in Acadiana have been instrumental in securing these funds, demonstrating a strong commitment to the region’s advancement. Approximately $25 million is allocated for the expansion of NIRC, which holds the distinction of being the largest non-human primate center in the United States. An additional $22 million is dedicated to the establishment of the BioInnovation Accelerator’s drug manufacturing facility at Progress Point.

Dr. Ramesh Kolluru, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Economic Development at UL Lafayette, described the projects as “transformational.” He highlighted the collaborative efforts that have made these developments possible, underscoring the shared vision for the greater good of the community and beyond.

The preliminary economic impacts of these projects are substantial. The creation of nearly 550 new jobs and an annual tax revenue of $10.6 million for Iberia Parish are among the immediate benefits. The total economic output is projected to reach an impressive $144.3 million. These figures reflect the significant boost to the local economy and the positive ripple effects that such large-scale projects can generate.

Moreover, the Acadiana Planning Commission (APC) and the University are actively working on leveraging NIRC’s enhanced capabilities. With a $500,000 federal grant secured by APC, there are plans to develop a biopharmaceutical manufacturing cluster in Iberia Parish. This initiative aims to attract drug manufacturers to the region, enabling them to utilize the state-of-the-art facilities for drug development and testing.

At the groundbreaking event, Taylor Barras, Commissioner of Administration for Louisiana, commended the collaborative efforts of higher education, state government, and local government. He noted that economic development was a top priority for Governor Jeff Landry and praised the teamwork that has driven these projects forward.

The completion of both the Level 3 biosafety lab and the BioInnovation Accelerator is anticipated within the next two years. As these projects come to fruition, they are expected to usher in a new era of innovation, economic prosperity, and improved healthcare outcomes for the region and beyond.

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Shaping the Bayou Region’s Future: Nicholls and UNO’s Engineering Partnership

In a significant step towards enhancing engineering education in Louisiana, Nicholls State University and the University of New Orleans (UNO) formalized an agreement to develop a comprehensive plan for offering UNO’s Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering on the Nicholls campus, as per this news release from Nicholls. This partnership aims to align the engineering curriculum with local industry needs, preparing students for the demands of the regional workforce.

Nicholls State University has long recognized a trend where many students from its region have opted to leave the area to pursue engineering degrees at other institutions. By joining forces with UNO, Nicholls aims to retain these students, leveraging local resources to meet the growing demand for engineering professionals. This collaboration is expected to significantly bolster the engineering workforce in the region by creating specialized academic programs that cater to the specific needs of local industries.

Jay Clune, the President of Nicholls State University, emphasized the importance of this initiative. He stated that Nicholls acknowledges the regional necessity for engineering professionals and related disciplines to support the workforce. He noted that such partnerships not only strengthen the bonds with UNO, a sister institution but also reinforce Nicholls’ commitment to the region it serves.

Lizette Chevalier, dean of UNO’s Dr. Robert A. Savoie College of Engineering, echoed these sentiments. She viewed this collaboration as a strategic opportunity to expand UNO’s mechanical engineering program while simultaneously addressing workforce development and economic growth in the Bayou Region. Chevalier pointed out that Nicholls already had a robust pre-engineering program and established connections with the regional engineering community, making this partnership a logical step forward.

The partnership plan includes offering up to six semesters of coursework relevant to UNO’s Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering through Nicholls State University. Additionally, the agreement outlines a clear pathway for the transfer of coursework between the two universities. This streamlined process ensures that students can transition smoothly from Nicholls to UNO, without losing any academic credits.

Both institutions committed to providing comprehensive student support services, including advising and counseling, professional development opportunities, and connections to industry professionals. Faculty members from both campuses would collaborate on research and service projects, involving students and enhancing their understanding of real-world engineering challenges.

This new initiative builds on an existing agreement between Nicholls and UNO, established in 2019. The earlier agreement allowed Nicholls pre-engineering students to transfer seamlessly to UNO to complete their engineering studies. Under this arrangement, students from Nicholls could enter UNO as juniors and pursue any of the university’s undergraduate engineering programs.

By expanding this collaborative framework, Nicholls and UNO aim to create a more integrated and supportive educational environment for engineering students in Louisiana. The initiative is expected to have a ripple effect on the local economy by producing a steady stream of highly skilled engineers ready to meet the demands of the industry.

The collaboration between Nicholls and UNO reflects a proactive approach to addressing these challenges. By pooling their resources and expertise, the two universities are better positioned to provide high-quality engineering education that is both relevant and accessible to students in the Bayou Region. This partnership serves as a model for other institutions looking to enhance their academic offerings and support regional workforce development.

In conclusion, the partnership between Nicholls State University and the University of New Orleans marks a significant milestone in the development of engineering education in Louisiana. By working together, these institutions are not only addressing the immediate needs of their students but also contributing to the long-term economic growth of the region.

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Cooking with Corn: Delicious Maque Choux Recipe

Well-prepared corn and summer are inseparable companions, representing the essence of warm-weather cuisine. Elevate this seasonal favorite with this flavorful Maque Choux recipe, from Southern Living, that combines the natural sweetness of corn with the zest of peppers and a hint of smoky goodness from the grill. This dish is not only a culinary delight but also a nod to the rich cultural history of Louisiana.

Ingredients:

  • 6 ears of corn, with one layer of husks peeled back and silks trimmed
  • 1 small poblano or jalapeño pepper, diced
  • 1 medium-sized Vidalia onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
  • 8 slices of bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp. dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Preheat your grill to medium heat (350°-400°F). Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the corn, still in their husks, directly on the grill. Turn the cobs occasionally over the course of 20 minutes, ensuring even grill marks. Once the corn is evenly charred, let it cool. Cut the kernels off the cob over a bowl, using the blunt edge of your knife to press out the milky juice from the cob for added flavor.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon pieces until they are crispy. Drain half of the bacon grease, reserving the rest for future recipes like gravies or sauces.
  3. Melt the butter in the skillet with the remaining bacon grease. Add the chopped onion, celery, and peppers. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, until they begin to soften. Incorporate the corn kernels and their milk, along with the thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix the ingredients thoroughly.
  4. Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to ensure all the vegetables are well-coated. Allow the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes, letting the liquid reduce slightly and thicken. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the crispy bacon pieces.

Perfect Pairings for Maque Choux

Maque Choux pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, enhancing any meal with its rich flavors. Here are some suggestions to serve alongside this corn delicacy:

  • Grilled Shrimp or Fish: The smoky, creamy corn dish complements the light, fresh taste of grilled seafood.
  • Cajun-spiced Chicken: Add a spicy kick to your meal by pairing Maque Choux with seasoned chicken breasts or thighs.
  • Fried Catfish: The crispy, savory flavor of fried catfish pairs perfectly with the sweet and creamy corn.
  • Collard Greens: The earthy, slightly bitter taste of collard greens balances the sweetness of the corn.
  • Jambalaya: Enhance a traditional Cajun meal by adding this corn dish to your table.
  • Red Beans and Rice: A hearty, comforting combination that brings out the best in both dishes.
  • Cornbread: Double up on the corn theme with a side of moist, buttery cornbread.
  • Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted root vegetables complements the vibrant flavors of Maque Choux.
  • Southern-style Biscuits: Fluffy, buttery biscuits make a delightful addition to this rich and creamy dish.

Maque Choux is more than just a side dish; it is a celebration of history, culture, and the vibrant flavors of summer. Whether you are hosting a barbecue, preparing a family dinner, or simply indulging in a taste of the South, this recipepromises to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more. Embrace the legacy of corn and the rich culinary traditions of Louisiana with this unforgettable dish.

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