Tag: Louisiana Schools

Louisiana Begins Review to Modernize Physical Education Standards

In an important step toward promoting student health and well-being, the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) has officially launched a comprehensive review of the state’s K–12 physical education standards, as per this news release. This initiative, recently approved by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), is part of the state’s standard seven-year review cycle and aims to align physical education practices with the evolving needs of today’s students. The current set of standards was last updated in 2017, making this revision both timely and necessary.

The state’s renewed focus on physical education reflects a growing recognition that physical fitness is just as essential as reading and math when it comes to student development. According to Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley, fitness lays a foundation for success beyond the classroom. He emphasized that, like literacy and numeracy, physical activity contributes to long-term well-being and academic performance. By updating the standards now, Louisiana can help students adopt healthy habits, gain essential motor skills, and develop lifelong attitudes toward wellness.

To ensure a well-rounded and inclusive approach to this review, the LDOE is calling on educators, school administrators, parents, higher education faculty, and interested community members from across the state to participate in the review process. Applications for the standards committees are now being accepted, with a deadline of July 31. Those selected will play an instrumental role in shaping the next generation of physical education in Louisiana’s public schools.

The review process is structured to include a steering committee and two grade-band workgroups—one focused on grades K–5 and another dedicated to grades 6–12. These groups will be comprised of stakeholders representing diverse perspectives and professional backgrounds. Members will convene in person beginning in late October at the Claiborne Building in Baton Rouge, and all meetings will remain open to the public to promote transparency and collaboration.

The updated standards will be guided by several key priorities. First, the review will seek to enhance the progression of physical fitness skills across all grade levels, ensuring that students build their abilities in a logical and developmentally sound sequence from year to year. In addition, the revised standards will emphasize the importance of teaching age-appropriate motor skills and movement patterns that align with students’ physical and cognitive development. Another major focus will be on embedding instructional practices that promote high-quality teaching for learners of all abilities, supporting equity and inclusivity in every classroom. Lastly, the updated standards will incorporate health-centered outcomes that go beyond traditional fitness goals to encourage lifelong wellness, personal responsibility, and a deeper understanding of how physical activity contributes to overall health.

Once committee selections are finalized this fall, they will be submitted to BESE for formal approval. The revised physical education standards are scheduled to be presented to the board in 2026. Following approval, implementation training for educators and school systems will begin during the 2026–2027 academic year, with full statewide implementation anticipated for the 2027–2028 school year.

This modernization effort highlights Louisiana’s broader commitment to student health and academic readiness. As more data underscores the link between physical activity and improved cognitive function, behavior, and attendance, updated P.E. standards have the potential to produce far-reaching benefits. Schools are increasingly being seen not just as places of learning, but also as critical environments where lifelong habits are formed.

By prioritizing physical education alongside academic subjects, Louisiana is setting a standard for whole-child development. The upcoming revisions will not only guide what students learn during P.E. class but also shape how they think about movement, health, and personal responsibility for years to come.

Those interested in applying for a committee position or learning more about the review process can find application information on the LDOE website.

For more education-related information, click here.

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.

For more education-related information, click here.

Louisiana Schools Among 2024 National Blue Ribbon Honorees

The U.S. Department of Education has recently recognized seven schools across Louisiana as 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools, according to this news release from the Louisiana Department Of Education. This prestigious award is granted to schools that demonstrate academic excellence or make significant progress in closing achievement gaps among various student groups. The schools recognized in Louisiana this year are from six parishes: Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Iberia, Ouachita, Rapides, and St. Tammany.

Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley expressed his admiration for the schools’ achievements, noting that being named a National Blue Ribbon School is a remarkable accomplishment that signifies a steadfast commitment to academic success. He emphasized the role that students, educators, and families play in setting and maintaining these high standards of excellence.

The seven schools honored with the 2024 National Blue Ribbon title are spread across the state and represent a diverse mix of public and non-public institutions. These schools are:

Being awarded the National Blue Ribbon is more than just a badge of honor—it’s a symbol of outstanding teaching and learning practices. The flag, which is often displayed in the school’s entryway or on its flagpole, is recognized across the country as an emblem of exceptional education. This recognition not only honors the achievements of the specific schools but also allows them to serve as role models for others nationwide.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, established in 1982, is one of the longest-running recognition programs of the U.S. Department of Education. Over the decades, it has celebrated outstanding schools across the nation, both public and non-public, at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. The primary goal of the program is to identify schools that stand out due to their academic performance or their success in closing the achievement gap among students from different backgrounds.

The program has not only highlighted the best schools in the country but has also served as a platform for sharing best practices. These Lbest practices help educators and administrators nationwide learn from each other, creating a ripple effect that extends the benefits of the Blue Ribbon recognition far beyond the honored schools.

Each year, the U.S. Department of Education collaborates with state education departments to identify outstanding schools that are worthy of the Blue Ribbon title. Nominations are based on student academic achievement metrics and progress toward closing achievement gaps. After being nominated, schools go through a rigorous review process conducted by the U.S. Department of Education, where several hundred schools nationwide are ultimately awarded this esteemed recognition.

The recognition of these seven Louisiana schools as 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools is a testament to the quality of education in the state and the commitment of educators, students, and families to achieving excellence. These schools, located across different parishes, have set the bar high, serving as examples of what is possible when communities come together to prioritize education.

By celebrating their successes, the U.S. Department of Education highlights not only the importance of academic performance but also the value of closing achievement gaps and ensuring that all students have access to high-quality education. These schools are models for others to follow, showcasing the impact that dedication and collaboration can have on student outcomes.

For more education-related information, click here.

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.

For more education-related information, click here.

University View Academy Leap into Learning Pods

University View Academy, Louisiana’s largest school, embarked on a groundbreaking initiative by venturing into the realm of learning pods after conducting 13 years of exclusively online education, as per this article from The Advocate. This strategic shift positioned UVA as the third charter school operator in the state to openly embrace this innovative concept. Learning pods, characterized by smaller, personalized settings that blend online and face-to-face instruction, have gained momentum among charter schools in Louisiana, offering a viable solution to extend educational access beyond traditional geographic boundaries.

Dr. Quentina Timoll, the superintendent of University View, emphasized the institution’s commitment to adaptability and responsiveness to the evolving needs of students and the community at large. With approval to accommodate up to 4,000 students, UVA aims to establish specialized pods tailored to address specific educational gaps and preferences within different localities. The decision to adopt learning pods was also driven by financial considerations. Unlike virtual charter schools, which receive only 90% of public funding, students in learning pods are entitled to 100%, making it a more financially sustainable model for UVA.

The inception of learning pods traces back to Charter Schools USA, the leading charter school network in Louisiana, which spearheaded the concept and advocated for its legislative endorsement in 2021. However, the emergence of learning pods prompted regulatory scrutiny, as evidenced by a critical audit conducted by TenSquare, prompting policymakers to refine regulations governing these alternative educational models.

Despite the challenges and complexities associated with this transition, University View Academy remains steadfast in its commitment to innovation and expansion. Timoll highlighted the imperative of continuous adaptation to sustain relevance in an increasingly competitive educational landscape, characterized by the proliferation of alternative schooling options such as education savings accounts.

The genesis of UVA’s pod initiative stemmed from grassroots demands, with parents seeking a more cohesive educational experience for their children. Through meticulous planning and stakeholder engagement, UVA aspires to offer specialized pods catering to diverse interests, ranging from aquaponics to music, thereby enriching the educational experience for students.

As University View Academy embarks on this transformative journey, it views the pod initiative as a pilot program aimed at refining future expansion endeavors. Timoll emphasized the pivotal role of innovation in navigating the evolving educational terrain, underscoring the imperative of staying attuned to shifting paradigms and emerging competition.

The collaborative efforts of parents, students, teachers, and community stakeholders underscore the inclusive nature of UVA’s pod initiative. By soliciting input from various stakeholders, UVA ensures that its educational offerings are not only relevant but also responsive to the diverse interests and aspirations of its student body.

As University View Academy embarks on this transformative journey, it remains guided by a steadfast commitment to innovation and excellence. Through ongoing refinement and evaluation, UVA seeks to optimize its pod initiative to maximize educational outcomes and enhance student experiences. Quentina Timoll’s leadership underscores the institution’s proactive stance towards innovation and adaptability. With the flexibility to accommodate up to 4,000 students, UVA is well-positioned to establish specialized pods tailored to address specific educational demands and preferences within different localities across Louisiana.

In essence, University View Academy’s embrace of learning pods signifies a bold step towards redefining the future of education in Louisiana. By fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, UVA sets a precedent for educational institutions nationwide, demonstrating the transformative power of adaptability and vision in shaping the educational landscape of tomorrow.

In conclusion, University View Academy’s foray into learning pods signifies a paradigm shift in education, marked by adaptability, innovation, and responsiveness to evolving societal needs. As the institution charts its course towards future growth and renewal, it remains poised to navigate the dynamic landscape of education with resilience and foresight.

For more education-related information, click here.

Unlocking Success: Louisiana’s Bold Steps in Early Literacy

Louisiana has proudly ascended to the pinnacle of a national ranking, standing tall as a beacon of excellence in early literacy policies, as per this news release from the Louisiana Department of Education. According to the recently unveiled Early Literacy Matters resource by ExcelinEd, Louisiana finds itself in an elite group of states, standing shoulder to shoulder with Arkansas and North Carolina, as the only trio to have fervently embraced all 18 of ExcelinEd’s early literacy fundamental principles.

Dr. Cade Brumley, Louisiana State Superintendent of Education, expressed his satisfaction at the state’s achievements, remarking, “I was intentional about calling out our state’s literacy crisis early in my tenure and am pleased to see Louisiana leading the way with common sense reading reforms.” Dr. Brumley commended the concerted efforts of policymakers, educators, and parents, highlighting their crucial role in ensuring Louisiana studentsreap the benefits of these bold educational reforms.

The 18 early literacy fundamental principles underscore a comprehensive approach, encompassing policies for early identification, family engagement, teacher training and support, as well as intensive reading intervention. These principles serve as a robust foundation to equip students with the essential reading skills vital for their learning journey, graduation, and future success.

Among the noteworthy aspects of Louisiana’s commitment to literacy, the state mandates that all K–3 teachers undergo science of reading training. Additionally, a universal reading screener for K–3 students, parental notification for those identified with reading difficulties, elimination of three-cueing systems, and individualized reading plans for students with reading deficiencies are integral components of the state’s comprehensive literacy plan. Louisianastands out for monitoring students’ progress within a multi-tiered system of support and targeting their needs through evidence-based interventions grounded in the science of reading.

Joining the ranks of Louisiana, Arkansas, and North Carolina, Mississippi and Florida trail closely behind with a score of 17 out of 18, while Texas achieved a commendable 10 out of 18.

Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jenna Chiasson emphasized the need for sustained dedication and innovation, recognizing that progress in early literacy requires continuous effort. The results, she noted, reflect the positive impact of Louisiana’s commitment to early literacy, with advancements apparent both in classrooms and legislative initiatives.

Louisiana’s strides in literacy are evident in the Education Recovery Scorecard, revealing that the state is among the select few where average reading achievement in 2023 surpassed 2019 levels. Furthermore, Louisiana’s 4th graders soared to the top spot nationally for reading growth on The Nation’s Report Card, showcasing the effectiveness of the statewide initiative. Economically disadvantaged 4th graders in Louisiana demonstrated a remarkable improvement, moving from 42nd to 11th overall for reading proficiency between 2019 and 2022.

The Early Literacy Matters resource emerges as a crucial educational tool, addressing the paramount issue of learning to read. This pioneering website offers a 50-state literacy map, presenting a comprehensive overview of each state’s adoption of early literacy fundamentals. It not only serves as a legislative compass but also delves into states’ implementation strategies, providing insights into how they are enhancing literacy outcomes and narrowing learning gaps.

ExcelinEd, the driving force behind this initiative, remains committed to supporting state leaders in transforming education. Their focus on educational quality, innovation, and opportunity, both within and outside the traditional system, positions them as advocates for a broad range of student-centered policies.

In conclusion, Louisiana’s position at the forefront of the national list for its comprehensive literacy policy reflects a commendable commitment to fostering early literacy skills. The state’s success story offers valuable lessons for educators, policymakers, and parents nationwide. As we celebrate these achievements, it becomes essential to understand the core concepts that underpin effective early literacy policies.

For more education-related information, click here.