Dr. Cade Brumley, the State Superintendent of Education, discussed several key initiatives in Louisiana’s education system. One of the main topics was the overwhelming popularity of the Steve Carter Literacy Initiative and the associated tutoring program. Dr. Brumley emphasized his goal to make Louisiana the first state where any student or family seeking extra help can access it, either during the day or after school hours. The Steve Carter Literacy Program allows families to select private tutors for after-school sessions, a significant development for the state.
Dr. Brumley highlighted that the program is not just a brief study hall but involves in-depth tutoring with specific requirements. Despite initial concerns about low enrollment, recent legislative changes and advertising efforts have led to a surge in applications, exceeding available funds. This high demand is seen as a positive challenge, indicating the program’s success and the need for continued support.
The program’s first year provided valuable lessons, leading to legislative adjustments to improve its effectiveness. The initiative now includes both reading and math tutoring for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Additionally, the state has built a comprehensive infrastructure to support tutoring across Louisiana.
Dr. Brumley also mentioned a new legislative mandate requiring students in grades K-5 who are not proficient in math and reading to receive a certain amount of tutoring during the school day. This initiative aims to provide consistent support to students needing extra help, with sessions typically lasting 30 to 45 minutes, three times a week. The goal is to maximize instructional time and ensure that all students receive the necessary support to improve their proficiency in essential subjects.