Latest news with #LouisianaDepartmentofEducation
American Press
07-07-2025
- General
- American Press
LEAP scores show Calcasieu one of the top-growing academic districts in the state
(American Press Archives) The Calcasieu Parish School Board is one of the top-growing academic districts in the state, according to the Louisiana Department of Education's newest batch of LEAP test score data. The department released its annual Louisiana Educational Assessment Program test scores for the 2024-25 school year last week. Results were mixed statewide with young students showing a slight improvement in scores but high school-aged students experiencing a decline. Statewide, the number of third- through eighth-graders scoring overall mastery and above (Mastery+) improved by one percentage point to 35 percent. Thirty-five percent of high school students also scored mastery or above, but this is one percentage point lower than the 2023-24 school year. In Calcasieu Parish, the overall Mastery+ percentage for grades third through eighth — which includes ELA, math and science — improved by one percentage point. For grades third through 12th, 40 percent scored Mastery+, which is two points higher than last year. The top-growing schools in Calcasieu Parish were R.W. Vincent Elementary, Vinton High School and DeQuincy Middle School. These scores are a sign of the 'work and commitment' of CPSB students, teachers and staff, said Superintendent Jason VanMetre in a news release. 'Our students are succeeding because our teachers and staff are passionate about their profession and the success of students,' he said. 'We take pride in celebrating our schools, and today is a day of celebration for all of our people. We're grateful to have this data as we prepare for the year ahead and work toward an even higher performance in the 2025-2026 school year.' Statewide growth varied by subject. While ELA scores dipped in several grades, the percentage for Mastery+ stayed the same. Fourth grade improved by two percentage points and sixth by one percentage point, while third, fifth, seventh and eighth grades decreased. Overall, Louisiana students earning Mastery+ in math increased by two percentage points. The only grade level that decreased was fifth grade. Science scores increased overall, with only the third grade scores decreasing. Statewide high school scores decreased by one percentage point. For third through 12th grade, 25 school districts improved, 26 maintained and 18 declined. Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley said in a news release that 'while today's results show continued movement in the right direction, they also underscore the challenges ahead.' 'We must accelerate efforts to support educators, raise expectations for students, and maintain our laser focus on academic achievement.' The 2025-26 school year LEAP data will be calculated by the LDOE's revised system, 'Grow. Achieve. Thrive.' These standards are designed to 'be a catalyst for academic growth,' Brumley said.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Audit of Louisiana Department of Education finds issues with payroll policy compliance
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — An audit of the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) found failures in compliance with payroll policies and procedures and state property regulations. According to the report, 14% of 13,937 timesheets processed between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024, were approved by supervisors between one and 470 days after the payroll posting date. Auditors said failures in following payroll procedures increase the risk of errors or fraud. A recommendation from auditors encouraged management to provide supervisory oversight to make sure employees comply with policies and procedures. In a response, LDOE agreed with the findings and said its human resources director and payroll manager would implement an action plan that includes sending reminders to employees. Auditors recommended supervisory oversight after identifying a failure in state property regulation compliance. The report said this could result in inaccurate financial reporting and increase the risk that assets could be misreported, lost, or stolen. LDOE's policy and the Louisiana Administrative Code require all movable property with an acquired cost of $1,000 or more to be tagged and inventory information sent to the Louisiana Property Assistance Agency within 60 calendar days. LDOE agreed with the auditors' findings, explaining that the processing of assets was 'challenging' after a surge in inventory, resulting in a backlog and causing submission delays. The department said it would add staffing, implement a streamlined procedure, offer training, conduct audits, and communicate with the Louisiana Legislative Auditor's office. Audit of Livingston Parish School Board found misappropriated funds Smoke from Canadian wildfires to affect air quality, visibility in parts of US: What to know Kenner Police make third arrest in connection to drugging death of news reporter Supreme Court allows Trump to revoke Biden's parole program; Sotomayor, Jackson issue scathing dissent BREC Commission appoints interim superintendent Think your return to the office was rough? Elon Musk faces big challenges Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
See the finalists for Louisiana teacher, principal of the year
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — The 2026 Louisiana Teacher and Principal of the Year finalists were named Wednesday. 'Each of these finalists has gone above and beyond to ensure that students succeed,' said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. ' We are proud to recognize and celebrate their exceptional work.' Three teachers and two principals from the Baton Rouge area were named finalists. The Louisiana Department of Education said recipients will be named at a gala set for July 26 at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans. Tante Poche': Gonzales Middle in Ascension Parish Katherine 'Kaki' Willrich: Neville High in the City of Monroe School District Carla Bringier-Mason: Edward Hynes Charter School in Hynes Charter School Corporation Aaron Beaubouef: Jennings High in Jefferson Davis Parish Brittany Hebert: Broussard Middle in Lafayette Parish Erin Cosse': Belle Chasse Elementary in Plaquemines Parish Ali Angelle: Teche Elementary in St. Martin Parish Delanea Buffalo: West Feliciana High in West Feliciana Parish Regena Beard: Copper Mill Elementary in Zachary Community School District Jennifer Burris: Benton Intermediate School in Bossier Parish Anesha Ross: Mansfield High in DeSoto Parish Kyle Fontenette: Mayfair Laboratory School in East Baton Rouge Parish Justin Wax: Denham Springs Junior High in Livingston Parish Hollie Folse: Paulina Elementary in St. James Parish Brandon Singleton: Grand Coteau Elementary in St. Landry Parish Christian Monson: Mandeville High in St. Tammany Parish Dr. Anna Faye Caminita: Ponchatoula High in Tangipahoa Parish Tonia Cook: Acadian Elementary in Terrebonne Parish How much are Louisiana teachers making? New report explains Baton Rouge bids final farewell to former mayor Kip Holden 1 dead, 1 hurt after car crashes into Bayou Plaquemine in Iberville Parish Addis native John Foster shares journey after 'American Idol' Who were the victims of the shooting outside the DC Jewish Museum? GOP campaign arm tells Republicans to 'go on offense' messaging Trump agenda bill Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Louisiana K-3 students improve reading skills, LDOE reports
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Literacy screener results show that Louisiana students in grades K-3 have improved reading during the school year. The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) said end-of-year results showed a 17-point increase in the percentage of students reading on or above grade level. This was the second year that students K-3 were required to complete literacy screeners. 'Strong teachers, sound policy, and strategic investments have resulted in historic education outcomes for Louisiana,' said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. 'We're proud of the progress, but far from satisfied. I'm pleased with the work of teachers in partnership with parents to prompt this growth.' Results show growth: Kindergarten: 33-point growth First grade: 19-point growth Second grade: 11-point growth Third grade: eight-point growth See the finalists for Louisiana teacher, principal of the year Louisiana education leaders credit students' reading improvement to its literacy plan using phonics, high-dosage tutoring, and parent engagement efforts. All public schools are required to complete literacy screeners for K-3. A policy requiring third graders to meet promotion requirements is used to identify students who need more reading help. LDOE said students have three chances to show their reading proficiency by scoring above the lowest achievement level. Gov. Jeff Landry celebrates as Louisiana students' rankings move up in Nation's Report Card Louisiana joined Arkansas and North Carolina in states taking action on all 18 of ExcelinEd's principles in a national comparison of comprehensive early literacy policy released in 2024. LDOE announced in February that the state ranked first in reading recovery from 2019 to 2024 on the Education Recovery Scorecard. According to a news release, an analysis found that pandemic relief contributed to academic recovery, specifically when directed to summer learning and tutoring. The state received $4 billion for K-12 schools. Baton Rouge bids final farewell to former mayor Kip Holden 1 dead, 1 hurt after car crashes into Bayou Plaquemine in Iberville Parish Addis native John Foster shares journey after 'American Idol' Who were the victims of the shooting outside the DC Jewish Museum? GOP campaign arm tells Republicans to 'go on offense' messaging Trump agenda bill Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Caddo Parish student named overall Louisiana Student of the Year for elementary school
A Caddo Parish student was recognized as an overall honoree for the 2025 Student of the Year. The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) announced Friday, May 16, that Mary Mack Thornton was named the elementary school Louisiana Student of the Year. "These students have distinguished themselves through exceptional academic performance, leadership, and service," said Louisiana Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. "They are proof that hard work and high expectations yield extraordinary results." Thornton is a fifth grader at Eden Gardens Elementary School and has maintained a 4.0 GPA. She is also a well-rounded student who shines in the classroom, on the playing field and through her artistic interests. Thornton is known as a natural leader and has a deep love for reading. She is aspiring to be an otolaryngologist like her father and is very passionate about childhood health and physical fitness. 'Today, we honor not only academic excellence, but the promise these students hold for Louisiana's future,' BESE President Ronnie Morris said. 'Their talent, leadership and drive inspire confidence in the next generation of Louisiana's leaders.' Each year the LDOE selects regional honorees based on criteria that measure academic achievement, leadership, character and service to their schools and communities. Selection committees also evaluate electronic portfolios, student writing samples and conduct interviews to assess communication and critical thinking skills. All 24 honorees were celebrated at an awards ceremony May 16 at The Cook Hotel and Conference Center in Baton Rouge. And only three students were selected as the overall Louisiana Student of the Year. More: Check out three students from northwest Louisiana who were named honorees for Student of the Year Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@ This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Caddo student named Louisiana Student of the Year for elementary
