Dr. Cade Brumley joins the show to discuss the significant progress Louisiana has made in K-12 education, highlighting the state’s rise in national rankings. In 2019, Louisiana was ranked 49th in the country, but by 2022, it had improved to 43rd, and as of the latest report, it stands at 32nd. This progress is attributed to various factors, including the hard work of teachers and specific educational reforms.
One notable achievement is that Louisiana’s 4th graders have led the nation in reading growth for two consecutive cycles and are now in the top five for math growth. Special education students and those from economically challenged homes have also outperformed the national average. Despite these gains, Dr. Brumley emphasizes that there is still work to be done, as many students are not yet reading or doing math at grade level, and some are still in failing schools.
Dr. Brumley explains that the improvement in rankings is due to both Louisiana’s progress and the decline of other states. He notes that while elementary students are performing better, middle school students, who were more affected by the pandemic, are lagging behind. The state’s comprehensive set of reforms, particularly in reading, has benefited younger students who have experienced these changes throughout their education.
The Steve Carter tutoring program, which provides private tutoring vouchers to about 5,000 students, is part of the state’s reading strategy. Dr. Brumley mentions that similar efforts are now being made in math, with legislative support and new bills aimed at improving foundational math skills. He stresses the importance of supporting teachers, reducing classroom distractions, and ensuring competitive pay.
Dr. Brumley also highlights the bipartisan support for educational improvements and the need for strong local leadership to implement these changes effectively. He believes that empowering teachers and allowing districts to manage their own affairs have been crucial to the state’s educational progress.