Liz Smith from the Baton Rouge Alliance for Students joins the show to break down the major changes coming to Louisiana’s education accountability system. As students return to school, early LEAP test results reveal a concerning drop in performance. Parents are urged to review their children’s scores and engage with teachers if students are not on grade level.

The state is entering a transition year with a new accountability formula that will fully take effect next year. For now, schools will receive two performance scores: one based on the current system and another using the new metrics. This shift is expected to result in lower scores, especially for high schools, as the new system raises the bar by only awarding points for students achieving “mastery” or higher—essentially those performing at or above grade level.

Liz emphasizes that while the changes may seem harsh, they offer a more accurate picture of student achievement and school effectiveness. The new formula also places greater weight on student growth, particularly for those starting at the lowest performance levels. This means schools and teachers will be recognized for helping struggling students make meaningful progress.

High schools will see the most dramatic changes. Previously, many were rated highly despite low ACT scores and poor grade-level performance. The new system simplifies the scoring process with 12 clear metrics, replacing the opaque and confusing formulas of the past.

Liz also highlights Louisiana’s national progress, noting that the state now ranks 16th in 4th-grade reading. She credits this improvement to a strong commitment to accountability, which originated from the civil rights movement and has been supported across political lines since 1977.

Ultimately, the new system aims to provide transparency, drive improvement, and ensure every student’s progress is measured and valued.

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