Louisiana students are making major progress in reading and math, according to new national data discussed by East Baton Rouge Parish School Board member Patrick Martin during a recent interview.
Martin said Louisiana is now the only state in the country to exceed pre-pandemic academic levels in both reading and math. The findings come from a national study conducted by Harvard, Dartmouth, and Stanford universities.
The state’s education rankings have also improved sharply over the last decade. Martin noted Louisiana once ranked near the bottom nationally but now sits closer to the middle of the pack. Fourth grade reading scores stand out even more, with Louisiana ranking 16th in the country.
Martin credited the gains to a stronger focus on early childhood education and classroom instruction. East Baton Rouge schools are working to expand programs centered on students from pre-kindergarten through second grade. The district also continues investing in teacher training and classroom support.
He said district leaders are paying closer attention to day-to-day classroom performance instead of relying on broad education initiatives. The parish is also increasing the amount of classroom time dedicated to reading and math instruction.
The conversation also touched on the ongoing debate surrounding a possible St. George school district. Martin said tensions surrounding the issue have lasted for years, but he believes the focus should remain on what benefits students across East Baton Rouge Parish.
Despite the political battles, Martin pointed to continued academic growth in EBR schools. He said the district ranks in the 88th percentile nationally for reading achievement growth and the 80th percentile for math growth.