Louisiana Rises in National Education Rankings: Discover the Surprising Gains!

Louisiana’s Education Rankings Improve Significantly

Louisiana’s education system is celebrating major wins. Recent results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress, often called the Nation’s Report Card, show remarkable progress in fourth grade reading and math.

According to Governor Jeff Landry and state education leaders, Louisiana jumped from 43rd to 32nd in national rankings, showcasing an 11-spot rise. This assessment is crucial, as it measures how well fourth and eighth graders perform in reading and math across the country.

State Superintendent Cade Brumley praised the state’s efforts during a news conference. He noted, “For the second consecutive NAEP cycle, Louisiana led the nation in fourth-grade reading growth.” This success is attributed to a dedicated focus on reading strategies, including a phonics-based approach and extensive tutoring programs.

In reading, fourth graders gained 34 points, placing Louisiana 16th nationally. Eighth graders have also improved, scoring 16 points higher, which puts them at 29th in the country. Math scores show positive changes too. Louisiana ranks among the top five states for fourth-grade math growth, largely due to a renewed focus on essential math skills. The state now sits at 38th, reflecting a six-point increase since 2022. Eighth graders have risen six points since 2019, landing at 43rd place.

Brumley expressed pride in reaching these high ranks in multiple subjects, saying, “Never has our state ranked higher in fourth-grade reading, math, eighth-grade reading, or eighth-grade math.” However, he also highlighted challenges, noting that Louisiana is still slightly below the national average in fourth-grade math.

One notable area of progress is among students with disabilities. They are performing better than their peers nationally, as are students from low-income backgrounds. Brumley pointed out, “We are one of only two states where fourth graders have surpassed pre-pandemic levels in both reading and math.”

These achievements are credited to the teamwork of the governor’s office, the legislature, and educators. Improvements in teacher training and access to tutoring programs have played a key role in this progress.

Despite the positive results, leaders recognize there’s still work to do. Brumley stated, “Too many kids in the state can’t read or do math at grade level, and we must change that.”

Overall, Louisiana’s recent improvements show a commitment to education and a solid foundation for future learning.