In a triumphant display of resilience and dedication, Louisiana students have surpassed pre-pandemic school performance scores for the second consecutive year, marking a significant milestone in the state’s academic journey. The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) unveiled the 2023 performance scores, revealing a noteworthy improvement of 1.4 points to reach an impressive statewide school performance score of 78.5, according to this news release from the LDOE. This remarkable achievement follows the state’s commendable effort in matching its pre-pandemic score of 77.1 in the preceding year, showcasing a consistent upward trajectory.

Dr. Cade Brumley, the State Superintendent of Louisiana, expressed his elation, acknowledging the unprecedented challenges the state has faced in recent years. He remarked, “Louisiana has faced unprecedented disruptions over the past few years, and these scores are a testament to the efforts of so many people across our state.” Dr. Brumleyemphasized the collective commitment to education, highlighting the scores as evidence of the unwavering dedication to fostering academic success amidst adversities.

The Louisiana Department of Education did not limit its celebration to overall performance scores. Early Childhood Performance Profiles were also released, providing a comprehensive view of publicly-funded child care centers, Head Start programs, and schools catering to children from birth to five. These profiles, inclusive of ratings derived from meticulous classroom observations, showcase the state’s commitment to nurturing a solid foundation for young learners.

The latest early childhood data reveals a historic surge in instructional support and engaged support for learning scores. Notably, child care facilities experienced the most substantial growth, with an increase in the quantity of sites rated as excellent, despite a 13% rise in the overall number of early learning sites in Louisiana. This underscores the state’s dedication to promoting quality early education and fostering a conducive learning environment for its youngest students.

Moving beyond early childhood achievements, the release of Advanced Placement (AP) results for the 2022-23 school year further solidifies Louisiana students and their academic prowess. A record-breaking 8,697 high school seniors earned a 3 or better on their AP exams, a 19% increase from the pre-pandemic total in 2019. This remarkable accomplishment not only reflects individual success but also signifies a collective commitment to elevating educational standards across the state.

In addition to AP success, the Louisiana 2023 senior class witnessed the first annual increase in average ACT scores since 2017, defying the national trend of a drop in averages. Louisiana students have consistently demonstrated improvement, with scores increasing for the second consecutive year, and an impressive 75% of school systems showing improvement on the 2023 LEAP.

Highlighting the accomplishments of Louisiana’s 4th graders, the state led the nation in reading growth, contributing to an overall rise in the state’s ranking from 46th to 42nd among states on the NAEP from 2019 to 2022. Furthermore, the state’s Pre-K-12 education earned a commendable five-place improvement in the U.S. News & World Report Rankings.

These outstanding achievements underscore the commitment of Louisiana’s education system to continuous improvement. The state’s students have recorded the most significant year-over-year increase on state assessments since 2016, with students showing marked improvement in both English Language Arts (ELA) and math.

As we celebrate these achievements, it is essential to understand the significance of performance scores. Since 1999, Louisiana has issued school performance scores based on student achievement data, utilizing letter grades (A-F) to communicate the quality of school performance to families and the public. This transparent system ensures accountability and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.

In conclusion, Louisiana’s educational journey is marked by resilience, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. The state’s students, educators, and administrators have overcome unprecedented challenges, demonstrating that in the face of adversity, Louisiana’s commitment to academic success remains unwavering.

For more education-related information, click here.