Tag: Louisiana education

New LEAP Data Shows Louisiana Moves Closer to Excellence

The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) has released the 2025 results for the Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (LEAP), and the data shows promising signs of academic improvement. According to the latest report, the overall percentage of students in grades 3 through 8 who scored at the Mastery or Advanced levels (referred to as Mastery+) has risen by one percentage point. In the 2024–2025 academic year, 35 percent ofLouisiana students achieved Mastery+, up from 34 percent the previous year, as per this news release from LDOE.

Mathematics saw a particularly encouraging increase. The statewide Mastery+ rate for math among students in grades 3 through 8 climbed two percentage points to reach 33 percent. This improvement aligns with the LDOE’s larger strategy aimed at bolstering mathematics performance throughout the state. Since 2021, Louisiana has experienced a five-point increase in Mastery+ rates for these grade levels, highlighting steady and sustained academic gains.

A closer look at the results reveals that 80 percent of Louisiana’s school systems either maintained or improved their Mastery+ scores for grades 3–8. Similarly, 74 percent of systems saw stable or improved results across grades 3–12. These outcomes suggest that widespread efforts to improve instruction and student achievement are yielding positive results.

Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley credited teachers for the progress, noting that their dedication and hard work have been central to the state’s continued academic growth. However, he also emphasized that the journey is far from over. Brumley explained that while the upward trend is encouraging, Louisiana must intensify efforts to support its educators, elevate expectations for students, and maintain a clear focus on academic success.

This year’s results will contribute to school performance scores, which the LDOE is expected to release later in 2025. Notably, these will be the final performance scores calculated under Louisiana’s current accountability system. Beginning with the 2025–2026 academic year, LEAP results will feed into a revised accountability framework designed to elevate academic standards and better reflect student readiness.

The new accountability system aims to set higher expectations for schools while also placing a stronger emphasis oncareer readiness and making school performance data more accessible to the public. The first official scores using this revised system will be published in 2026.

One additional development of note is the early release of the LEAP results. For the first time since 2016, statewide LEAP data was made available in early July. On June 30, the LDOE distributed student-level reports to school systems, and system-level results were made public soon after. This earlier release schedule enables schools to prepare more effectively for the upcoming year by aligning instruction and support to meet current student needs.

The LDOE is urging school systems to share LEAP results with families as soon as possible. Parent guides and other resources are available on the department’s official website, offering explanations of test scores and suggestions for how families can support student learning.

LEAP assessments are administered to students in grades 3 through 12 and cover English language arts, math, science, and social studies. Students are evaluated using five performance levels: Unsatisfactory, Approaching Basic, Basic, Mastery, and Advanced. Those scoring at Mastery or Advanced levels are considered proficient, indicating that they are prepared for the next grade level without needing remediation.

As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance assessment quality, the LDOE is also preparing to release new social studies results later this year. These results will be based on updated standards known as the Freedom Framework, and the corresponding test was administered operationally for the first time during the 2024–2025 school year.

Together, these developments signal a critical moment of progress and transition for Louisiana’s public education system—one that blends measurable academic gains with strategic innovation and higher expectations.

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West Baton Rouge Parish Leads the Way in Tackling Chronic Absenteeism

While school systems across Louisiana—and indeed the nation—continue to grapple with the growing challenge of chronic absenteeism, West Baton Rouge Parish has emerged as a model of progress, as per this article from The Advocate. In contrast to statewide trends, this district has seen measurable improvements in student attendance during the 2024–2025 school year, signaling a promising shift driven by focused leadership, community engagement, and supportive programs.

Over the course of the school year, West Baton Rouge Parish reported a monthly decline of at least 3% in chronic absenteeism. The most dramatic improvement came in December, when the percentage of chronically absent students dropped from 18.7% to just 9.8%. These numbers are particularly noteworthy given the broader state context. In 2024, nearly 25% of Louisiana students were classified as chronically absent—defined as missing 10% or more of the academic year, regardless of whether the absences were excused or unexcused.

Superintendent Chandler Smith attributed this decline in absenteeism to several key strategies that have been implemented across the district. According to Smith, one of the major factors behind the positive trend has been improved communication between schools and families. By strengthening relationships with parents and guardians, schools were better equipped to intervene early and provide necessary support when attendance began to decline.

Another significant contributor has been the district’s collaboration with the Families In Need of Services (FINS) program, operated through the 18th Judicial District Court. FINS connects directly with families to address underlying causes of truancy, such as transportation issues, health concerns, or unstable housing. These proactive interventions have helped address the root of absenteeism, rather than merely its symptoms.

West Baton Rouge Parish also introduced an attendance recovery initiative designed to help students regain lost instructional time. Through this program, students have the opportunity to make up missed class hours after school or on weekends. By offering these recovery options, the district ensures students are not academically penalized for past absences while reinforcing the importance of being present.

Smith emphasized that all of these efforts tie back to a central goal: boosting student achievement. He noted that teachers and school leaders have responded enthusiastically to the improvements, believing that better attendance is directly linked to stronger academic outcomes. “Our teachers are excited, our principals are excited,” Smith said, adding that much of the district’s academic progress is due to the steady reduction in chronic absences.

While West Baton Rouge Parish has taken charge at the local level, the state of Louisiana has also taken steps to address attendance challenges. House Bill 185, proposed by Rep. Barbara Reich Freiberg of Baton Rouge, aimed to connect school funding with daily student attendance. Although the bill ultimately failed to advance out of committee, it highlighted a growing recognition among lawmakers that attendance is a vital part of educational success.

In June, the Louisiana Department of Education unveiled a statewide attendance strategy called The Power of Presence. This initiative provides a clear, tiered framework for preventing and responding to chronic absenteeism. Instead of focusing on punishment, the strategy emphasizes early intervention, family engagement, and community partnership as tools for improvement.

Despite the broader statewide movement, West Baton Rouge leaders are intent on staying the course with the tools that have brought them success. Superintendent Smith expressed support for the state’s efforts while reiterating his commitment to continuing the district’s existing strategies. “We’re going to continue doing what we’re doing,” he stated. “I know that the state has really made a push, which is helpful for us.”

The progress in West Baton Rouge serves as a powerful reminder that solutions to chronic absenteeism are possible when schools prioritize relationships, wraparound services, and student-centered flexibility. As Louisiana’s state leaders seek to replicate these results across more parishes, the work being done in West Baton Rouge stands as both a roadmap and an inspiration.

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LDOE Names Top Education Professionals for 2025

In a heartfelt celebration of dedication and excellence, the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) recently honored exceptional education professionals who serve as pillars of support for students, teachers, and families, as per this news release. These professionals, often working behind the scenes, help shape a strong foundation for student success. The recognitions were part of the annual LDOE awards program, which highlights outstanding school support employees, health service providers, and schools that prioritize physical wellness.

Donella Wagner, a custodian at Raintree Elementary in St. Mary Parish Schools, was named the 2025 Louisiana Outstanding School Support Employee of the Year. Her recognition speaks volumes about the important, yet often overlooked, work performed by custodial staff. Wagner’s role extends far beyond maintaining cleanliness—she provides daily care for the school environment, supports students and faculty alike, and brings a sense of pride and responsibility to the school community.

Wagner was chosen from a competitive field of finalists representing school systems across Louisiana. The award itself recognizes a broad spectrum of support staff, including bus drivers, paraprofessionals, food service workers, clerical staff, and aides. All nominees have demonstrated a commitment to going above and beyond their job descriptions in service of Louisiana’s schools.

Another honoree, Sue Lyn Simpson, was named the 2025 Louisiana School Health Service Provider of the Year. Simpson, a physical therapist with Ascension Public Schools, was recognized for her outstanding contributions to student health, mobility, and overall well-being. Her work plays a critical role in ensuring that students are physically equipped to access and participate fully in their educational experiences.

Finalists in this category came from a wide range of healthcare professions that intersect with school settings, including occupational and physical therapists, nurses, behavioral health providers, and speech-language pathologists. Simpson’s recognition underscores the growing understanding that academic achievement is deeply connected to physical and emotional health.

In addition to individual accolades, the LDOE also presented the Louisiana School Physical Activity Award, which celebrates schools with exemplary physical activity programs. Six schools were recognized as finalists for successfully embedding movement and wellness into the school culture. These schools represent both elementary and secondary levels, and each has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to fostering healthy lifestyles for their students and communities.

To qualify for this award, schools must go beyond standard physical education classes. They are expected to incorporate physical activity throughout the school day—before, during, and after school—while also engaging families, staff, and the broader community in wellness activities. This holistic approach encourages lifelong habits of movement and health among students and educators alike.

All of the honorees were formally recognized during a Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education(BESE) meeting held on June 3. Later that day, they were celebrated at a reception at the Old State Capitol—a setting that symbolized the gravity and dignity of their service.

This annual recognition program serves as a reminder that education is a collective effort. From custodians and therapists to school leaders and physical educators, each professional honored plays a distinct and essential role in supporting the whole child. Their work enhances not only academic achievement but also emotional resilience, physical health, and school climate.

By elevating the contributions of these professionals, the LDOE continues to emphasize that student success is not possible without the tireless efforts of those who provide support in classrooms, hallways, clinics, cafeterias, buses, playgrounds, and beyond. These award recipients represent the heart of Louisiana’s educational system—where commitment, compassion, and care drive meaningful, lasting, and everyday impact across all school communities and learning environments.

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Louisiana Achieves Record-Breaking National Ranking in Education

In a significant milestone for Louisiana’s education system, the state has achieved its highest-ever placement in the U.S. News & World Report Best States rankings for Pre-K through 12 education. According to the latest report, Louisiana now stands at 37th in the nation—a noteworthy improvement from last year’s position at 40th. This marks the third consecutive year that Louisiana has climbed the national ranking, underscoring a trend of steady progress in educational outcomes across the state, as per this news release from the Louisiana Department of Education.

Dr. Cade Brumley, Louisiana’s State Superintendent of Education, attributed this continued growth and improved national ranking to a combination of focused efforts and unified commitment. He described Louisiana as the fastest-improving state in the country when it comes to education, emphasizing that these achievements stem from deliberate planning, data-driven instruction, and the relentless dedication of teachers, students, and families throughout the state.

The U.S. News & World Report Best States rankings consider a range of indicators when evaluating Pre-K–12 education. Among these are student performance on The Nation’s Report Card (also known as the National Assessment of Educational Progress or NAEP), particularly focusing on 8th-grade achievement levels. However, the rankings also weigh other critical factors such as preschool enrollment rates, high school graduation rates, and metrics of college readiness, offering a comprehensive snapshot of state education systems.

Louisiana’s educational journey and national ranking improvement has been marked by a series of strategic reforms and targeted interventions aimed at improving outcomes for all students. Notably, the state has prioritized the implementation of the Science of Reading—a research-based approach that emphasizes phonics, fluency, and comprehension to strengthen literacy skills. In mathematics, Louisiana has undertaken efforts to refresh foundational math instruction and introduce high-dosage tutoring programs to support students who have fallen behind. In addition, the state has made strides in elevating the teaching profession and expanding educational options to empower families with more choices for their children’s learning experiences.

These efforts have begun to yield results not just in rankings, but in the day-to-day academic growth of Louisiana’s students. Earlier this year, additional national reports further validated the state’s progress. In January, Louisiana students posted their best-ever performance on The Nation’s Report Card, earning the state an overall average ranking of 32nd—an impressive leap from its 49th-place standing in 2019.

The detailed breakdown of these gains tells an even more compelling story. In 4th-grade reading, Louisiana vaulted from 50th place in 2019 to an impressive 16th in 2024. Similarly, in 4th-grade math, the state advanced from the bottom position of 50th to 38th place. For 8th-grade students, reading scores rose from 45th to 29th, while math scores improved from 49th to 43rd. Louisiana’s 4th-grade students even led the nation in reading growth for the second straight assessment cycle and secured a place among the top five states for math growth.

Furthermore, Louisiana’s 8th-grade math scores improved in a year when only 14 states posted gains in that subject area nationwide. Even more encouraging, students with disabilities and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds not only demonstrated significant progress but surpassed national averages in both achievement and growth categories.

The data mentioned throughout Louisiana’s rankings come from several nationally recognized sources. One key measure is The Nation’s Report Card, officially known as the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), which assesses 4th and 8th-grade students in core subjects like reading and math. These scores provide a reliable,nationwide benchmark of student achievement.

By focusing on research-backed strategies like the Science of Reading and providing intensive tutoring, Louisiana has embraced proven methods to accelerate learning, particularly among historically underserved groups. These strategies, combined with a focus on teacher support and family choice, appear to be driving the state’s encouraging upward trajectory.

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Louisiana’s New LA GATOR Program Sees Huge Demand in First Year

In honor of last month’s designation as the Month of the Military Child, the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) unveiled a new online resource hub called the LA GATOR Program tailored specifically for military families, as per this new release. Developed through a strategic collaboration with Barksdale Air Force Base, this digital platform serves as a centralized support system, designed to help military-connected students and their families more easily navigate Louisiana’s educational landscape.

State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley emphasized that the resource reflects Louisiana’s ongoing commitment to providing equitable access to quality education for all students, especially those whose families serve in the armed forces. He acknowledged that military families face unique obstacles and transitions, and explained that the new hub aims to make the school experience as smooth and welcoming as possible for these students.

The newly launched section of the LDOE’s website consolidates critical tools and information to simplify school transitions for military families. These students often relocate multiple times during their academic careers, and frequent moves can create disruptions in learning, graduation planning, and special education services. The resource hub is intended to minimize these interruptions and offer consistent support as families move into, around, or out of Louisiana.

Colonel Michael Maginness, Installation Commander at Barksdale Air Force Base, expressed his gratitude for the initiative, noting that military families endure challenges inherent to military life, including relocations, deployments, and the emotional toll of service. He stressed the importance of supporting these families through accessible, inclusive, and high-quality educational options. Maginness described the new online tool as a symbol of shared responsibility and a tangible way Louisiana is stepping up to support those who serve. He voiced his confidence that the site would be a valuable asset for families across the state.

The military families resource hub offers several standout features. One of the most impactful is the advance enrollment information, which guides families on how to enroll their children in Louisiana schools even before they arrive in the state. This forward-thinking feature allows for greater continuity in students’ educational journeys.

Another important element is the set of quick links to key resources, including school system directories, details about school choice, graduation pathways, and special education services. These tools are intended to put essential information at families’ fingertips, eliminating the need to search through multiple channels.

The site also includes a spotlight on Louisiana’s Purple Star Schools—a designation awarded to schools that go above and beyond to support military-connected students. These schools have demonstrated a strong commitment to creating a welcoming and understanding environment for students from military families.

Additionally, the hub provides accessible information about the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, a national agreement that helps reduce educational disruption when military families move between states. This compact covers issues like records transfers, enrollment, course placement, and graduation requirements—factors that often pose difficulties during frequent moves.

With over 12,000 military-connected students currently enrolled in Louisiana’s public school system, which spans more than 1,300 schools across 124 school systems, this resource arrives at a critical time. The LDOE’s commitment to these students is clear: provide continuity, reduce barriers, and support academic success.

The LA GATOR Scholarship Program stands as Louisiana’s first education scholarship account (ESA) initiative, offering eligible families access to dedicated scholarship funds that can be used for a broad range of approved educational expenses. These include tuition and fees for nonpublic schools, tutoring sessions, educational therapies, curriculum materials, dual enrollment college courses, and school uniforms. Signed into law by Governor Landry, the program marks a significant expansion of educational freedom and opportunity across the state.

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From Learning Loss to Learning Gains: Louisiana Education Road to Recovery

A groundbreaking study from Harvard University and Stanford University has revealed that the state is at the forefront of academic recovery in the United States. According to the Education Recovery Scorecard and this news release from the Louisiana Department of Education, Louisiana ranks first in the country for reading recovery and second for math. Notably, Louisiana Education stands as the only state where the average student has fully completed their academic recovery.

The Education Recovery Scorecard is an annual report that measures student growth in reading and mathematics at the school system level across the country. Now in its third year, the report assesses the pace of academic recovery in various districts, providing crucial insights into how students are regaining learning losses experienced during the pandemic.

Louisiana’s impressive academic turnaround is reflected in several critical findings from the Education Recovery Scorecard. Between 2019 and 2024, the state ranked first in reading recovery and second in math recovery. While many states struggled to regain lost academic ground, Louisiana students demonstrated significant gains in both reading and mathematics, standing out as the only state where the average student has fully recovered academically.

An analysis of the data suggests that Louisiana’s strategic allocation of pandemic-related funding played a key role in its success. Investments targeted at academic initiatives such as summer learning programs and tutoring proved particularly effective in accelerating recovery. However, despite these achievements, chronic absenteeism remains a significant challenge. Students who miss more than 10 percent of the school year hinder the progress of overall recovery efforts in several districts, emphasizing the need for continued attention to attendance and student engagement.

State education leaders attribute Louisiana’s progress to a clear focus on foundational academic skills and strong support for educators. Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley emphasized that the report reflects the state’s commitment to improving student outcomes. He acknowledged the progress but also pointed out that challenges remain, particularly in ensuring that all students can read at grade level, master essential math skills, and maintain consistent school attendance.

The Education Recovery Scorecard serves as a collaborative effort between the Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard University and the Educational Opportunity Project at Stanford University. This latest report provides a detailed and data-driven analysis of where Louisiana students stand in their academic recovery as of spring 2024. Unlike The Nation’s Report Card, which focuses on state-level achievement changes, the Education Recovery Scorecard integrates those results with district-level assessments to provide a more localized view of student progress.

The state’s recent achievements build on its positive performance in the previous year’s Education Recovery Scorecard. The 2023 report highlighted Louisiana as one of only three states where reading achievement had surpassed 2019 levels. Additionally, Louisiana students made exceptional progress in math, recovering nearly half of their initial learning loss. This was particularly notable because, on a national scale, students had only managed to regain about one-third of their original losses.

Although Louisiana has demonstrated remarkable success in academic recovery, state education officials acknowledge that there is still work to be done. The persistence of chronic absenteeism remains a barrier to continued progress, and ensuring that all students achieve proficiency in reading and math is an ongoing challenge. Nevertheless, the strategic initiatives that have contributed to Louisiana’s success—including targeted funding, summer learning opportunities, and tutoring programs—may serve as a model for other states striving to accelerate their own academic recovery efforts.

By focusing on student-centered interventions and maintaining strong support for educators, Louisiana has emerged as a leader in the nation’s education recovery landscape. As the state continues to build on its progress, it sets an example for how deliberate investment and evidence-based strategies can drive meaningful improvements in student learning outcomes.

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