In a recent press release from the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE), the state’s Pre-K-12 education system celebrates a notable advancement in the esteemed U.S. News & World Report Best States rankings. Moving up one spot, Louisiana now stands at 40th place, marking its highest ranking yet in this national indicator. This achievement underscores the state’s ongoing commitment to enhancing educational outcomes for its students.
The announcement was met with enthusiasm from education stakeholders across Louisiana, including Rapides Parish Superintendent Jeff Powell, who commended the collaborative efforts of teachers, district leaders, and state officials in prioritizing student success.
Dr. Cade Brumley, Louisiana State Superintendent of Education, emphasized that while the progress is encouraging, there is still work to be done to ensure every student receives a high-quality education. He highlighted key initiatives driving the state’s educational improvement, including a focus on literacy, foundational math skills, and college readiness.
BESE President Ronnie Morris echoed Dr. Brumley’s sentiments, attributing Louisiana’s ascent in the rankings to the dedication of educators and the effective partnership between policymakers and stakeholders. Morris stressed the importance of sustaining this momentum to further enhance educational outcomes statewide.
The press release also outlined several noteworthy achievements reflecting Louisiana’s educational progress:
- Louisiana is among the top three states where average reading achievement in 2023 surpassed 2019 levels.
- The state was recognized for adopting a comprehensive early literacy policy aimed at equipping students with essential reading skills.
- Louisiana’s school performance score has exceeded pre-pandemic levels for consecutive years.
- High school students in Louisiana achieved record results on Advanced Placement tests.
- The 2023 senior class recorded the first annual increase in average ACT scores since 2017, despite a national decline.
- Louisiana students demonstrated improved scores on standardized tests (LEAP), with 75% of school systems showing progress.
- Fourth-grade students in Louisiana led the nation in reading growth, contributing to an overall improvement in the state’s ranking on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).
The U.S. News & World Report Pre-K-12 ranking assesses state performance across various educational indicators, including preschool enrollment, standardized test scores, graduation rates, and college readiness. Louisiana’s advancement in these rankings reflects its ongoing commitment to educational excellence and student achievement.
LOUISIANA PRE-K-12 EDUCATION IMPROVES FIVE PLACES IN U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT RANKINGS
