First Accountability Plan to Measure Success in Kindergarten through Second Grade Adopted by Louisiana

Baton Rouge, Louisiana. – The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) announced on August 24, 2022, that the state has adopted the state’s first accountability system for kindergarten through second grade. The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) today approved the Louisiana Department of Education’s literacy-focused plan.

“This landmark action closes a glaring gap in our accountability system and embraces a fundamental shift in how we’re teaching children to read,” said State Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley. “Not only has our state rallied behind this commitment to our early learners, but we’re continuing to see momentum build behind Louisiana’s reading revival.”

While Louisiana has a nationally known early childhood quality rating system and a strong 3-12 accountability system, prior to Wednesday’s decision, the state lacked a strong assessment of how kids in grades K-2 were performing.

Accountability systems define student success and track progress toward certain outcomes. Educators can promote change by matching resources to priorities when student goals are clearly stated. This accountability strategy for grades K-2 will urge educators to accept this fundamental shift in literacy instruction.

Louisiana’s new K-2 accountability system is part of a broader literacy plan that focuses on the Science of Reading. Students in grades K-2 will take a literacy indicator that examines early literacy skills to ensure proper growth. These findings will be reflected in annual School and District Performance Scores. During the 2024-25 school year, students will begin taking the literacy indicator.

Schools will also be encouraged to use research-based instructional rubrics in early education that focus on best practices in teaching and learning.

“This long-awaited enhancement to Louisiana’s accountability system will be an important tool in improving early literacy in our state,” said BESE President Jim Garvey. “Accurately measuring and reporting the progress of basic skills development in grades K-2 is critical in helping system leaders and parents identify obstacles to reading, and ensuring that our youngest learners are on track for academic success.”

The vote on Wednesday follows more than two years of stakeholder engagement, research, and preparation by LDOE. While K-2 accountability is now focused on early reading, the LDOE will investigate the possibility of incorporating a math component in the future.

“We took an important step to include age appropriate K-2 assessments in how we communicate school performance,” said Assistant Superintendent of Assessments, Accountability & Analytics Thomas Lambert. “Reliable and consistent data will help ensure our students are ready to master 3rd grade skills. Literacy matters–we must know how our students are doing in order to provide support and help Louisiana’s kids grow.”