The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) has honored West Feliciana Parish Schools with the prestigious Models of Excellence designation for its exemplary implementation of high-dosage tutoring, as seen in this new release. This recognition highlights the district’s commitment to bridging learning gaps and preparing students for academic success through innovative and targeted educational strategies. The award was presented to Superintendent Hollis Milton by State Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley during a ceremony held at Bains Elementary School.
West Feliciana Parish Schools has distinguished itself by significantly increasing student participation in the state’s Accelerate: High-Dosage Tutoring program. This initiative, aimed at addressing gaps in student learning, provides focused support in literacy and mathematics. Superintendent Milton emphasized that this program allowed the district to enhance the quality of its instruction and reach more students than ever before.
Dr. Brumley commended West Feliciana for its leadership in demonstrating how strategic tutoring can drive academic achievement, describing the effort as bold and transformative. He also highlighted the state’s commitment to expanding access to high-dosage tutoring, ensuring students across Louisiana benefit from this critical support.
West Feliciana’s success stems from a comprehensive and well-structured tutoring model, featuring:
- Engagement of Skilled Educators: The district utilizes both certified teachers and professional tutors to provide diverse, effective learning opportunities during the school day.
- Staff Training: Teachers and staff receive extensive training to ensure they can deliver impactful academic support tailored to individual student needs.
- Repurposed Time: Dedicated blocks of time within the school day are allocated for tutoring, avoiding conflicts with extracurricular activities or family commitments.
- In-Person and Virtual Options: The flexibility of offering both in-person and online tutoring allows for broader student participation.
- Progress Monitoring: Regular assessments help educators track student progress and make necessary adjustments to ensure that learning goals are met.
- Parental Engagement: Communication with parents keeps them informed about their child’s progress and fosters a collaborative approach to education.
The Louisiana Legislature has invested $30 million to support the Accelerate: High-Dosage Tutoring initiative. This funding ensures that tutoring sessions occur during the school day, enabling students to benefit from additional instruction without extending their schedules.
Additionally, Louisiana has launched complementary programs like the Steve Carter Tutoring Program, which offers eligible students $1,500 digital vouchers for tutoring services outside the school day. Since its inception in late 2022, this program has facilitated over 122,000 tutoring sessions, underscoring the high demand for academic support.
The Louisiana Models of Excellence program celebrates schools and districts that exemplify the state’s educational priorities. By sharing success stories and creating partnerships, the initiative aims to inspire and guide other districts in adopting innovative practices. West Feliciana Parish Schools is now part of an elite group of districts that have received this honor, including East Feliciana Public Schools, Rapides Parish Schools, and others.
West Feliciana Parish Schools’ recognition as a Model of Excellence reflects its unwavering dedication to student success and its commitment to continuous improvement in education. By embracing high-dosage tutoring, the district has created a scalable and effective model for addressing learning gaps and preparing students for academic challenges. This honor not only highlights the innovative strategies used by the district but also serves as a powerful testament to what can be achieved when educators, parents, and students work collaboratively toward shared goals.
The district’s approach demonstrates that with the right tools, training, and focus, it is possible to significantly improve student outcomes even in the face of challenges like pandemic learning gaps. West Feliciana Parish Schools has proven that strategic planning and targeted interventions can transform education for the better, offering a roadmap for other districts across Louisiana to follow. As a shining example of the potential of high-dosage tutoring, the district’s success underscores the importance of investing in programs that prioritize equity and access to quality education.
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