Tag: Louisiana education

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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Louisiana’s Focus on Fundamentals Pays Off in National Education Rankings

Louisiana students have demonstrated remarkable academic progress, earning their highest national education rankings to date on The Nation’s Report Card, as per this news release from LDOE. This widely respected assessment, officially known as the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), evaluates reading and math proficiency among 4th and 8th graders across the United States. The latest results indicate that Louisiana students have not only made significant strides but have also positioned themselves among the nation’s top performers in multiple categories.

Governor Jeff Landry and Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley addressed this milestone during a press conference held at Magnolia Woods Elementary in Baton Rouge. Brumley emphasized that these achievements in national education rankings highlight the dedication of educators and the state’s unwavering commitment to foundational academic skills. While acknowledging the progress made, he noted that continuous improvement remains a priority.

The Nation’s Report Card assesses student performance in four key areas: 4th grade math, 4th grade reading, 8th grade math, and 8th grade reading. Vice President of the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, Stacey Melerine, underscored the significance of these achievements, attributing them to a strong academic foundation and an unyielding commitment to excellence. She expressed particular encouragement at the fact that students facing greater socioeconomic and learning challenges surpassed national trends.

Louisiana’s academic progress reflects the state’s targeted investment in literacy, mathematics, and teacher development. Louisiana adopted an evidence-based literacy model rooted in phonics, restructuring reading instruction statewide. Educators have received extensive training to support student success in early literacy.

The state’s math plan focused on fundamental skills, ensuring students have the necessary foundation for advanced coursework. Louisiana’s nationally recognized Special Education Playbook for System Leaders provided educators with tools to enhance learning environments for students with disabilities. The state prioritized professional development, equipping teachers and administrators with high-quality instructional materials while reducing bureaucratic hurdles and unnecessary training requirements.

Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jenna Chiasson highlighted the importance of Louisiana’s teacher-focused strategies. She pointed to targeted professional learning, coaching, and collaboration as key factors in improving student outcomes which helped the state’s national education rankings.

Building on recent successes, Louisiana has launched several new initiatives aimed at sustaining and accelerating academic growth:

  • Expanded High-Dosage Tutoring: With increased legislative funding, more schools and students now have access to intensive tutoring programs designed to support struggling learners.
  • K-3 Literacy Screener: This early assessment tool helps educators identify reading challenges in young students, enabling earlier intervention.
  • K-3 Math Screener: Modeled after the literacy initiative, this new assessment will identify foundational math difficulties and ensure targeted instruction.
  • Statewide Teacher Training: Louisiana continues to invest in teacher preparation, particularly in foundational reading and math instruction.
  • Revised Accountability System: The state has adopted a nationally acclaimed school accountability system that sets higher academic expectations, enhances career education pathways, and provides the public with clear, accessible data on school performance.

This updated accountability system is expected to take effect in the upcoming school year and has been recognized by national education experts as one of the strongest in the country.

The Nation’s Report Card (NAEP) serves as the only nationally representative measure of student achievement over time, providing critical insights into educational progress across states, U.S. territories, and Department of Defense schools. Since 2003, NAEP has assessed 4th and 8th graders in math and reading every two years, though the assessment was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2022 administration marked the first full assessment since this disruption.

Louisiana’s recent successes on The Nation’s Report Card reflect the state’s commitment to strengthening education through research-based instructional strategies, targeted student support, and enhanced teacher development. As Louisiana continues to refine and expand its academic initiatives, these results offer a promising glimpse into the state’s educational future.

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How UL Lafayette Students Are Building the Future of Experiential Learning

A five-acre parcel of land near Arnaudville, Louisiana, is set to transform into a dynamic center for education, scientific exploration, sustainability initiatives, and cultural events. According to this new release from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, this ambitious project, named the Levity and Les Deux Bayous S.T.E.A.M. Park, is being spearheaded in part by students from UL Lafayette. Through their expertise in architecture and design, these students will play a significant role in both the planning and construction of the site.

The development of the S.T.E.A.M. Park is being guided by students from the UL Lafayette School of Architecture and Design, including both undergraduate and graduate participants. The project is multidisciplinary, involving students from architecture, industrial design, and interior design programs. Their involvement extends beyond design work, as they will also contribute to the physical construction of the park’s various structures.

The university’s role in the project is being coordinated by the School of Architecture and Design’s Building Institute. This institute facilitates experiential learning opportunities by allowing students to engage in community service-oriented projects that integrate academic coursework, practical research, and collaboration with industry professionals, including contractors, engineers, and suppliers. Additionally, these projects often lead to scholarly publications that document the students’ findings and innovations.

At the core of the initiative is the vision for a research and entertainment campground where science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics converge with music and cultural traditions. This fusion of disciplines will be reflected in the diverse offerings planned for the park. Features for the new UL Lafayette location will include a planetarium, an amphitheater, a sculpture garden, and a community garden. Additionally, plans include an artist’s residence, a farmer’s market, a woodshop, a native food forest, a sensory meditation area, a camping zone, a café, and a coffee roastery.

The first structure scheduled for construction is the Aqua House, a 70-foot by 30-foot bathhouse that will include showers and restroom facilities. The groundbreaking for this innovative building is expected to take place in the spring or summer. The Aqua House will be a testament to sustainability and modern construction techniques, as it will be built using modular blocks created from recycled plastic that would otherwise end up in landfills. These blocks are designed to interlock like Lego pieces, allowing for efficient and environmentally friendly assembly.

According to Geoff Gjertson, an architecture professor and director of the Building Institute, the use of these unconventional building materials reflects a deliberate effort by students to challenge traditional expectations for public bathhouses and restrooms. The interior design will incorporate porcelain tile flooring and walls reaching up to approximately the height of an average adult. Above this level, the structure will transition to the innovative plastic blocks, which are not only durable but also require minimal maintenance.

Gjertson further emphasized that the Aqua House is designed to be an inviting space, countering the typical perception of public restrooms as dark, enclosed areas. Instead, the structure will feature an open, airy design that maximizes natural light, creating a more pleasant and accessible environment for visitors.

The development of the S.T.E.A.M. Park is a collaborative effort involving two nonprofit organizations: Levity and Les Deux Bayous S.T.E.A.M. Park. Levity functions as a think tank and multidisciplinary space, while Les Deux Bayous S.T.E.A.M. Park is dedicated to promoting science, technology, entertainment, arts, and mathematics, along with cultural preservation and environmental stewardship. Together, these organizations and the university are working to solidify Arnaudville’s reputation as a cultural and educational hub.

The Building Institute has a history of contributing to Arnaudville’s cultural landscape. Since its founding in 2003, the institute has overseen 18 multi-semester projects involving more than 600 students. One of its notable projects is the House of Cards, a 256-square-foot artist’s retreat situated along Bayou Bourbeau.

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Retention and Recruitment: Louisiana’s Answer to Teacher Shortage

Over the past two years, Louisiana has seen a promising trend in its efforts to address the teacher shortage crisis that has plagued its public schools. According to data from the Louisiana Department of Education, the teacher workforce in traditional public schools grew by approximately 1,000 educators in the 2022-2023 academic year, marking the second consecutive year of workforce expansion. As per this article from The Advocate, this growth suggests that strategies implemented to retain educators and attract new talent are starting to show results.

The data reveals that fewer teachers are leaving their positions. In the 2023-24 school year, the percentage of teachers exiting traditional public school systems dropped from 15% to 13%. This improvement comes alongside a noteworthy increase in the number of individuals completing teacher preparation programs. For the first time in over a decade, the number of aspiring educators completing state-approved training programs rose by 13%, reaching 1,776 graduates in the 2022-23 school year.

While these signs of growth are encouraging, Louisiana continues to face significant hurdles. The teacher shortage remains acute in several subject areas, contributing to larger class sizes and placing additional pressure on those who stay in the profession.

The Louisiana Federation of Teachers, the state’s largest teachers’ union, highlights several reasons educators are leaving, including high workloads, oversized classes, and inadequate pay. Although the state’s recent data doesn’t directly address compensation as a factor for teacher attrition, broader studies paint a stark picture. Louisiana’s teachers earn, on average, $5,000 less than their peers in other Southern states and $15,000 less than the national average.

In a bid to address the wage gap, the state legislature approved a measure in November to permanently increase teacher salaries by $2,000 and support staff pay by $1,000. However, this measure is contingent on public approval of a constitutional amendment to unlock the necessary funding.

Surveys conducted by the Louisiana Federation of Teachers underscore the difficult conditions educators face. Nearly two-thirds of respondents reported having to oversee additional classes more than once a month due to a lack of substitute teachers. This staffing shortage has led to situations where schools with unfilled teaching positions must distribute students among other classrooms, sometimes exceeding the state’s legal class-size limits.

Louisiana educators also voiced concerns about the challenges of maintaining classroom discipline and autonomy in their teaching. These issues prompted state Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley to convene a task force of two dozen educators, who proposed several reforms to improve working conditions.

The recommendations from Brumley’s task force were approved by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education in August and are expected to be implemented before the end of the current school year. These measures aim to provide teachers rated “effective” or higher with greater control over their teaching methods and lesson planning. Additionally, the reforms propose reducing mandatory teacher trainings and empowering educators to immediately remove disruptive students when their behavior disrupts the learning environment.

While these reforms and improvements are promising, sustained investment and attention are necessary to ensure long-term success. Addressing the teacher shortage not only involves retaining current educators but also creating an environment that attracts and supports new talent. Competitive salaries, manageable workloads, and supportive teaching conditions are critical for achieving this balance.

Louisiana’s case underscores the interconnected nature of teacher retention, recruitment, and working conditions.Supporting educators effectively requires a multifaceted approach that addresses financial, logistical, and professional development needs. By focusing on these areas, policymakers and educational leaders can create a more stable and thriving teaching workforce.

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