State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley discusses the recent school performance scores and the overall state report card. He expresses excitement about the highest scores ever achieved by the state, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. However, he also emphasizes the need for higher expectations and continued improvement. The current score of 80.2 out of 150 will transition to a simpler 100-point scale next year, focusing on graduation rates, reading and math growth, and proficiency in core subjects.
Brumley highlights improvements in several school systems, including Ascension, Central, West Louisiana, and Livingston, which are among the top ten in the state. Nationally, Louisiana’s rankings have improved, with U.S. News & World Report placing it at 40th and the Nation’s Report Card at 42nd. Despite these gains, Brumley acknowledges the need for further progress.
At a recent national education summit, Louisiana was recognized as a state to watch, particularly for its work on revising the accountability system, the science of reading, and AI initiatives. Brumley also discusses the upcoming launch of the state’s first ESA program in March, aimed at providing educational savings accounts to lower-income families initially, with plans for eventual universal access.
Finally, Brumley briefly addresses rumors about his potential involvement in the Trump administration, expressing respect for the process and support for Linda McMahon’s appointment as Secretary of Education.