Education leaders optimistic about K-12 in state, parish

NATCHITOCHES – State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley, Natchitoches Parish Superintendent of Schools Dr. Grant Eloi and Northwestern State University President Dr. Marcus Jones were featured speakers at a lunch Wednesday, “Empowering Louisiana’s Future: The State of K-12 Education.”  Each spoke about progress and challenges their organizations face.

Jones spoke about meeting the needs of students from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds and providing students with career-focused academics, critical technical skills and an enriching student experience. Results from a recent economic impact study placed NSU’s economic value at $519.7 million in income and determined that the school supported 7,204 jobs in northwest and central Louisiana during fiscal year 2021-22, Jones said.

Eloi discussed growth trends in Natchitoches Parish schools that he expects to continue to increase that include improved rankings in proficiency growth, performance growth, special education, academic achievement and K-3 literacy. He also reported growth in the assessment index, high school assessment, strength of diploma and other improvements.

Brumley discussed priorities from a state-wide perspective, suggesting that Louisianians should realize that K-12 schools are not social institutions and that improvements are possible when teachers use a back-to-basics approach to teaching reading and math.

In 2019, Louisiana’s education report card ranked the state 46^th in the nation. Last year the ranking rose to 42^nd. In fourth grade reading, the state rose from 42^nd in 2019 to 11^th in 2022.   Keys to continued growth will be to elevate the teaching profession and put families in the driver’s seat of their children’s education.

In new developments, schools will begin implementing literacy screenings three times per year for kindergarten through third grade, increase standards in social studies and American history and mandate recess for kindergarten through fifth grades.

Brumley outlined areas to improve the high school experience by exposing high schoolers to post-graduation options, whether students plan to pursue higher education, a career or service. High schools will also implement financial literacy classes.

The lunch was hosted by the Natchitoches Chamber of Commerce on the NSU campus.

Pictured:  Natchitoches Parish Superintendent of Schools Dr. Grant Eloi, NSU President Dr. Marcus Jones and Louisiana Superintendent of schools Dr. Cade Brumley were featured speakers at the “Empowering Louisiana’s Future: The State of K-12 Education.”