In a move designed to elevate the importance of civic understanding among high school students, the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) has introduced a new recognition called the Freedom Framework Diploma Endorsement, per this article from LDOE . Officially approved by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), this endorsement will be awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional performance in civics education by scoring Mastery or higher on the LEAP 2025 Civics assessment.

Set to take effect in the 2025–2026 school year, the initiative will provide qualifying students with a red, white, and blue honor cord to wear proudly at their graduation ceremony. In addition, a distinctive diploma seal will be added to their high school diplomas, signifying their achievement in the field of civics.

Dr. Cade Brumley, Louisiana’s State Superintendent of Education, emphasized the long-term impact of strong civic education. He explained that a solid foundation in government and U.S. history not only helps students thrive academically but also empowers them to participate meaningfully in civic life. The new diploma endorsement, he added, reflects the state’s growing commitment to reinforcing civics instruction across schools.

Diploma endorsements are specialized recognitions students can earn to highlight academic achievement in particular subject areas. These endorsements appear on high school diplomas and serve to honor students for their dedication, interest, and mastery of a specific discipline. Beyond acknowledging personal accomplishment, endorsements can also strengthen a student’s academic résumé and signal college or career readiness to future institutions or employers.

The new civics endorsement is part of Louisiana’s broader Freedom Framework, which restructured the state’s K–12 social studies standards to offer a more rigorous, detailed, and skill-building curriculum. These updated standards were adopted in 2022 under the leadership of Dr. Brumley and rolled out during the 2023–2024 academic year.

The Freedom Framework aims to tell the full story of American history with a dual focus: honoring the concept of American exceptionalism while acknowledging the nation’s ongoing efforts to form a more just and inclusive society. The standards emphasize landmark moments that shaped the country’s democratic ideals—such as the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation, and the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment.

By organizing historical content in a more logical and chronological manner, the standards are designed to improve students’ understanding of key events and ideas. Moreover, the framework integrates essential academic and civic skills, ensuring that students not only absorb historical facts but also learn to analyze, interpret, and engage with complex social and political issues.

Since the introduction of the Freedom Framework, Louisiana has gained national recognition for its approach to social studies education. The state has even advised others in crafting similarly rigorous and balanced civics standards. According to the LDOE, the Freedom Framework sets a high bar for content precision, narrative clarity, and student skill development, making it one of the most robust civics education models in the country.

By creating the Freedom Framework Diploma Endorsement, Louisiana continues to lead by example. This new recognition not only celebrates individual student achievement but also reaffirms the state’s belief in the value of informed citizenship. As civics education becomes increasingly essential in today’s complex political and social climate, programs like these help prepare the next generation of engaged, knowledgeable Americans. Encouraging students to excel in civics not only promotes academic rigor but also strengthens democracy by fostering a deeper understanding of rights, responsibilities, and the role individuals play in shaping their communities and the nation.

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