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.
Does your candidate support jobs and opportunities in Louisiana? Election Day 2023 is fast approaching. Join us in asking candidates if they support transformational change for Louisiana. Use our candidate questionnaire as a resource.
Public Hearing Set for August 25 The official public comment period for the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (BESE’s) proposed new regulations to grant high school diplomas to students who have failed state tests has closed. Sixteen letters – eight from individual citizens and eight from organizations that represent or advocate on behalf...
Last week, the Louisiana Department of Education released the results of the 2022-2023 Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (LEAP), which measures student learning in public schools across the state in third grade through high school. Individual student results are used to inform families and educators about the extent to which students mastered or fell short in...
In 2014, the Louisiana Legislature passed a law allowing parents and legal guardians of students enrolled in D- and F-rated public schools to request a transfer to a higher-performing school in the district or in another school district. Schools were given the ability to define “capacity” at each school and grade level, decide whether capacity...
Students in Louisiana suffered damaging learning loss during the COVID-19 pandemic, and billions of dollars have been spent to bring them up to speed. But did the extra efforts pay off? We’re about to find out. The answer is critically important for families in the state, for their children, and for Louisiana’s comeback. The Louisiana...
It’s election season again. And like clockwork, some politicians have pulled out their old talking points that attack standardized testing, “teaching to the test,” and even pledging to end testing altogether—playing on emotions they think will translate into votes this fall. No one likes to take tests. But testing – the measurement of what individuals...
Yes, you read that right. In a state still ranked in the bottom ten nationally for student achievement, the state’s top education board has proposed a work-around for public school students failing state tests to receive a high school diploma. During its June meetings, instead of advancing a thoughtful plan to better support struggling students...
Legislation on crime, taxes, and the state’s budget dominated much of Louisiana’s 2023 Regular Session, but there were significant actions taken on education bills as well. Still lingering in the bottom ten states nationally for student achievement, though improving in some areas, Louisiana is far from done when it comes to efforts needed to accelerate...
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....
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...
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...
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...