NEW ORLEANS — Tuesday the state’s top education leaders voted in favor of a plan that will overhaul how schools are rated and raises the expectations of students across Louisiana.
But not everyone is on board. Several district leaders are warning that it may lower school grades and possibly hurt vocational and technical programs.
“We don’t have a lot of confidence in the simulations,” said Dana Talley, Chief Academic Officer at Lincoln Parish Schools. “We don’t know exactly how this is going to impact schools.”
State Superintendent Cade Brumley is advocating for the new system, which he says will raise the bar for student achievement.
“I don’t know of anyone who is going to be completely satisfied with any proposal brought forward. But we have worked earnestly to try and get to this place today,” said Brumley. “We think with the emphasis on efficiency and growth and making sure that students are graduating career college or service ready. It's going to be a game changer in the state of Louisiana.”
BESE officials say the new accountability system is simple and transparent and uses a 100-point scale to measure success. It adds an expectation for students to grow, achieve proficiency, and thrive after graduation.
The Louisiana Association of School Superintendents sent letters to the state asking that it slow down on adopting the plan and consider the risks.
“While there are some good parts that they have recommended,” said Ken Oertling, VP of the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents. “The biggest concerns seem to have been at the high school level.”
Oertling believes the new system is not balanced and disproportionately emphasizes end-of-course exams over industry-based programs.
“We’ve invested millions of dollars into expanding our career and technical facilities,” he said. “Now what we’re saying is that is only one-eighth of the overall value of a high school, whereas that, to me, is a priority for us.”
Oertling says that under the new system, disadvantaged students and districts will suffer.
“Unfortunately, in this state it is not the same. It is not equal,” he said. “There are systems that can attract certified teacher and there are systems that absolutely cannot based on the revenue that they receive from the state.”
In a statement, Cade Brumley said, “This revised system will drive performance to new levels and provide the public with a transparent understanding of school quality.”
Brumley’s office says a larger response is expected once the new system is fully adopted at a meeting on Wednesday.
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