Posted on 12/29/2024 9:49:09 AM PST by CFW
Louisiana implemented new educational choice scholarships, accountability systems, and programs during 2024.
The Louisiana Giving All True Opportunity to Rise scholarship program, or GATOR, was signed into law this year to provide educational scholarship accounts to families across the state so they can have more choice in what schools their children attend.
The funds can also be used for tutors, online school tuition, curriculum or even to fund a hybrid program where a student attends a private school part time.
Although the program is a major project for the department of education, it doesn't officially start until 2025 as some housekeeping still needs to be done. Every year the legislature will have to decide how much money is allocated to this program as they see fit, so it's experimental at first.
[snip]
The accountability system has also been retooled, and with that, has been debated in every K-12 study group and public education meeting since the new leadership took over the board earlier this year.
[snip]
Louisiana students this year achieved the highest scores under the current 150-point system. The 2024 school performance score of 80.2 improved by nearly two points from the previous year, a 78.5 score.
Louisiana has also achieved its highest national rankings ever, moving from 46th to 40th on the U.S. News & World Report Best States ranking.
Other studies showed growth in Louisiana as well, with the national report card saying the state's fourth graders led the country in reading growth and economically disadvantaged fourth graders improved from 42nd to 11th in reading.
(Excerpt) Read more at justthenews.com ...
Who would have thought such a thing was possible?
About 80 points on a 150-point scale—or about 53/100.
This is prior to the reforms kicking in, so what accounts for the increase? It could be an early effect of a new attitude set at the top, with an affirmation of standards and accountability even before money starts flowing. Expectations and leadership matter.
Accountability and a fear of competition are amazing motivators.
Related news:
“Georgia’s school choice program begins in 2025”
https://www.thecentersquare.com/georgia/article_33efe122-c3c4-11ef-90a2-e727c25bd11c.html
The program doesn’t even begin until next year
So improvement happened just knowing that changes were coming?????
Teacher Unions are against school choice. They can’t stand the competition. Good parents want their kids to go to good schools with strict discipline. Back in the 60’s and before there was strict discipline. Corporal punishment was common (I got swats, and I was a good kid).
Arizona has a good private school choice....in theory. The problem is a Governor who stole her election dedicated to killing school choice.
First, you have to get kids in school every day.
Second, teachers have to be smarter than the kids.
Third, the parents must teach kids how to behave in a civilized world.
Fourth, everyone has to take responsibility.
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