The state of Louisiana recently demonstrated a promising trend in its National Assessment of Educational Progress scores, specifically among fourth grade reading and mathematics growth.
In the assessment, which surveys fourth and eighth-graders’ reading, mathematics, science and writing skills, the progress Louisiana students have shown is some of the most significant in the nation. Fourth grade reading alone achieved the state’s highest national ranking ever, reaching 16th in the country, and fourth grade math scores were among the top five in the nation for growth, moving from 44th in 2022 to 38th this year.
“Could anybody pinpoint what exactly caused it? No,” said Stan Barrera, an associate professor and program coordinator for the elementary education program at LSU’s Lutrill & Pearl Payne School of Education, “absolutely not. Because there’s so many variables when it comes to educating everybody.”
Some of the key factors contributing to the progress are more focus on high-quality instructional materials, more investment in teacher training, strong accountability measures and an emphasis on foundational skills.
Additionally, there’s been more support in special education, leading the state to see a significant increase that outperforms the national average for achievement and growth in the field. In recent years, the state has provided more guidance and research to support and build on special education programs and create high-quality learning environments.
“They’ve put a lot of emphasis in making sure that group of students are also being served and not being neglected,” Barrera said. “So, I think overall that they’re really making sure that all the needs of all the kids are being met.”
The School of Education has modified some of their curriculum to better prepare the future educators at LSU. By redesigning courses to align with the science of reading, there is stronger accountability for students within the teacher preparation programs.
The state legislature has also made changes to continue the growth among students, including a longer residency requirement for teachers and increased training.
“They just passed a law that says every teacher has to have training on how to teach children with dyslexia,” Barrera explained. “So we’ve already done all the paperwork and created the course and we’re actually offering the course early here.”
Another factor Barrera highlighted is the growth of English-language learners in the state, something that is now considered in the NAEP assessment. This has caused the school systems to be more considerate and inclusive in their curriculum.
“So it’s a factor,” Barrera said, “and the reason that’s important is because unless they make it a factor that affects the school report cards, it’s very easy for those students to be ignored. And so by putting that into the algorithm or the formula that calculates the school letter grades, they’re weighing in the fact that they don’t speak English.”
The Louisiana school system is looking ahead at a promising next few years according to the assessment. LSU supplying students with the updated training, the state is projected to continue to produce well-prepared educators to brighten the future.
