Share This:[Sassy_Social_Share]

Many New Fast Forward Pathways for Louisiana Students Presented at BESE and Board of Regents Meeting

Louisiana – Members of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) and the Board of Regents (Regents) previewed 76 new Fast Forward pathways on June 16, 2022, giving students more opportunities to earn their high school diploma while also earning an associate degree or participating in a state registered pre-apprenticeship/apprenticeship.

These pathways were reviewed by the Louisiana Department of Education, BESE, Regents, the Louisiana Workforce Commission, and Louisiana Economic Development, as well as Career and Technical Education supervisors from large and small school systems across the state, before being approved earlier this week.

“From cybersecurity to carpentry, these new pathways empower our students with opportunities to gain employable skills for the high-wage, high-demand jobs of today and tomorrow,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley.

The state’s education boards were also briefed on the progress being made in Louisiana to meet their joint goal of all students graduating high school with college credit, a postsecondary credential of value, or both – beginning with the graduating class of 2029.

Highlights of the meeting include:

• Increasing the number of students participating in dual enrollment and graduating with a college credit or industry credential:
• 52% of high school students graduated with a credit or credential in the 2019-20, compared to 51% in 2018-19;
• 3% increase in college course enrollments by high school students in 2020-21 compared to 2019-20, despite pandemic and hurricane disruptions;
• Collaborating with the National Alliance for Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP) to offer statewide workshops for colleges and universities and their high school partners in support of the increased focus on course rigor and encourage continuous improvement in dual enrollment programs; and
• Generating more than 25,000 visits (hits) to the new Louisiana Dual Enrollment Portal (ladualenrollment.com), launched in January 2022 and designed to be a one-stop shop for information including a direct link to LDOE’s Fast Forward Initiative (FastForward.la).

“Today we acknowledged the significant work that has been accomplished in Louisiana over the last few years to expand college opportunities for high school students, giving them a clear pathway to prosperity,” said Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Kim Hunter Reed. “Our collective success rests on our ability to effectively align policies, resources, and accountability to accelerate access to academic and technical early college options for all high school students in our state. Equity in these opportunities is critical.”

In addition to discussing the state’s expanding dual enrollment options, Regents and BESE reviewed legislation of mutual interest and received an update from the Office of Broadband Development & Connectivity on the Granting Unequalled Municipalities Broadband Opportunities (GUMBO) program, broadband infrastructure, service affordability, and various digital literacy initiatives. Both boards continue to prioritize access to reliable high-speed internet, with members expressing support for ongoing efforts to make schools connectivity hubs in their communities.

By law, the Regents and BESE must meet twice a year to discuss education policy, share information, and vote on issues of mutual interest.

Follow this link to report a typo or other issue.