Louisiana students make biggest gains in nation

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – A new report shows Louisiana students are making some of the biggest gains in the country, with state education leaders celebrating the progress.

The newest national report card now ranks Louisiana 32nd in the nation, a jump from 49th in 2019.

“Louisiana is no longer about Louisiana simply believes, but for K-12 education, Louisiana achieves,” said state Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley.

The jump comes mainly from improved reading and math scores, making Louisiana the only state that has returned to pre-pandemic levels.

Gov. Jeff Landry said the achievement comes at an opportune time for the generation to capitalize on economic developments coming to the state.

“These young men and women are going to get an opportunity we have never had. These kids get to grow up in a new Louisiana at a time when they are getting the education they need,” Landry said.

Brumley said the focus is now on attendance, more tutoring, higher teacher pay, and job readiness.

“Tutoring for every kid to get a little extra help if they need it; differentiated pay so we can target pay in a very precise way to those teachers doing great work for kids; and in the elevation in career and technical education,” Brumley said.

While leaders are celebrating, Brumley said the real work is keeping that momentum.

“Louisiana doesn’t have to be last. Indeed, we can be number one. We will continue to see great results,” Brumley said.

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