The annual Louisiana Survey conducted by the Reilly Center for Media and Public Affairs revealed that only eight percent of Louisiana residents think primary and secondary schools in the state are doing an excellent job in preparing students for college.
The first section of the survey, released March 20, showed disappointment among citizens concerning different areas of primary and secondary education in Louisiana.
Of the surveyed public, 34 percent said the school system needs to be entirely rebuilt.
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies and Teacher Education for the College of Education Patricia Exner said she attributes part of the disapproval to negative thoughts about standardized testing.
“Many parents of students in public schools see the standardized testing scores as one measurement of how their children are doing in schools,” Exner said.
To better prepare students for college and the work force, Exner said it will take a combination of teachers, social workers, parents and others working toward a common purpose.
Respondents said more funding for Pre-K education is a top priority for them; 78 percent favored using funding for all children to attend Pre-K. Exner said children’s early years are critical for education and many children enter schools from homes of high poverty, illiteracy and unemployment.
“We all know that children in public schools deserve the best education they can get,” Exner said.
Executive Director of Volunteers in Public Schools in Baton Rouge Judy Bethly said the number of people who favor funding Pre-K is high because it has become common knowledge that students who start school earlier excel more quickly.
“You don’t wait until the problem has progressed,” Bethly said.
Bethly said many East Baton Rouge Parish students are already behind when they enter kindergarten, highlighting the importance of children attending Pre-K. Bethly said Pre-K should be mandated, but funding for additional teachers and classes will be costly.
Exner said she hopes this survey will come to the attention of legislators to increase their awareness of how education affects the population.
“I am hopeful that legislators will take a look at all surveys to make informed decisions,” Exner said.
 
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Contact Shannon Roberts at [email protected]