Education

Every child should have access to a high-quality education, ensuring every Louisiana resident has a chance to succeed. Louisiana cannot have a bright economic future without a workforce equipped with the skills and training necessary to compete in a 21st century economy. Revamping Louisiana’s educational system stands as an economic imperative—and a moral one too.

LOUISIANA HOUSE VOTES ON SCHOOL CHOICE RELATED BILL

LOUISIANA HOUSE VOTES ON SCHOOL CHOICE RELATED BILL

Baton Rouge — The Louisiana House of Representatives vote on House Bill 98 sends a strong message that Louisiana is ready to advance education freedom for families, just like several other states have done. Every child deserves a school that fits this or her individual needs. Parents know their child best and should choose their education....

By Erin Bendily, Ph.D.

A School that Fits Every Kid

A School that Fits Every Kid

Louisiana’s Comeback Agenda starts with ensuring that every family has the opportunity to choose the school that best fits their child’s individual needs. Kids have unique strengths, interests, and learning needs; what works for one may not work for another. Parents also have differing priorities and values when it comes to their child’s education, including programs...

Lawmakers advance school choice bills: What does this mean for Louisiana families?

Lawmakers advance school choice bills: What does this mean for Louisiana families?

Over the past week, Louisiana lawmakers in the House have advanced two bills to expand educational freedom, making it easier for families to enroll their children in the school that best fits their individual needs. House Bill 9 by Representative Rhonda Butler expands school choice for children with disabilities, allowing state dollars to follow kids...

By Erin Bendily, Ph.D.

A Race to the Bottom

A Race to the Bottom

As Louisiana nears the end of another school year, as the legislative session nears the halfway mark, and as election season heats up with candidates beginning to differentiate themselves, questions have emerged about the best way to improve student achievement and expand opportunities for them. Some have called for a renewed focus on the basics...

By Erin Bendily, Ph.D.

Lawmakers to Consider Increased K-12 Education Spending

Lawmakers to Consider Increased K-12 Education Spending

This week the Louisiana Legislature convened the 2023 Regular Session, which will last through early June. One of the most widely discussed proposals comes from the state’s Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), and it’s a request to increase state funding for public schools as well as compensation for their teachers and support staff....

By Erin Bendily, Ph.D.

VALUING LEARNING OVER TIME LEARNING: IS LOUISIANA READY?

VALUING LEARNING OVER TIME LEARNING: IS LOUISIANA READY?

For years, American schools have based student promotion from one grade level to the next and ultimately high school graduation, in part, on whether students are in attendance for a minimum number of instructional days or minutes. Louisiana is no exception. State law (La. Revised Statutes 17:154.1) requires Louisiana public schools to ensure that students...

By Erin Bendily, Ph.D.

Bills, policy proposals, and campaign platforms, oh my! But what makes for good education policy?

Bills, policy proposals, and campaign platforms, oh my! But what makes for good education policy?

It’s that season again, where education policy proposals abound. Another class of high school seniors will be graduating soon. While it would be great to have a 100% graduation rate, we know that some students will not meet the requirements to receive a diploma. As we’ve seen over the past few years, this is the...

By Erin Bendily, Ph.D.

School Choice Bill Introduced for Upcoming 2023 Louisiana Legislative Session

School Choice Bill Introduced for Upcoming 2023 Louisiana Legislative Session

Over the past two years, lawmakers and governors in five states – Arizona, Arkansas, Iowa, Utah, and West Virginia – have launched school choice programs that give all or nearly all families of school-age children the ability to select and pay for the school or educational program that best fits their child’s needs. Modeled after...

By Erin Bendily, Ph.D.

It’s Public School Choice Month in Louisiana!

It’s Public School Choice Month in Louisiana!

In a move that hasn’t gotten a lot of public attention, the legislature, governor, and state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education enacted laws and regulations over the past few years regarding students being able to transfer from low-performing public schools to higher-performing ones as determined by the state’s K-12 education testing and accountability system....

By Erin Bendily, Ph.D.

College Enrollment Is Declining: Is it relevant?

College Enrollment Is Declining: Is it relevant?

Earlier this week, the Public Affairs Research Council reported new Southern Regional Education Board data showing college enrollment is decreasing nationwide and in Louisiana. Experts believe Louisiana will experience further declines over the next several years. The stated reasons are a drop in U.S. birthrates and continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, some continue...

By Erin Bendily, Ph.D.

School Choice Is Exploding Across America: What About Louisiana?

School Choice Is Exploding Across America: What About Louisiana?

Governors and lawmakers across the country are expanding school choice in big ways. Last year, Arizona and West Virginia became the first states to provide all families with access to funds to send their child to a school that best fits their needs, unlike other smaller state programs that are only open to certain groups of...

By Erin Bendily, Ph.D.

Lighting Up The Dome For National School Choice Week

Lighting Up The Dome For National School Choice Week

What: Sunday kicks off the annual National School Choice Week across America! All week long, the Pelican Institute will join others in Louisiana, and across the country, in celebrating the many types of schools and educational programs that exist for our kids. National School Choice Week highlights the importance of giving all parents the ability to select a...

By Chris Lowery