Louisiana Kids Lose Out Again

In full disclosure, I am a retired educational administrator, so my passion is focused on education reform.  Consequently, I was excited to read the local media story entitled, “Governor signs slew of education bills-Measures promise ‘drastic change’ for schools.”  Governor Landry nicknamed these bills the “Dream Package” for education in Louisiana, and stated, “Today, we fulfill our promise to bring back drastic reform to our education system and bring common sense back to our classroom.”

Since Louisiana ranks in the bottom 3 in almost every educational category surveyed, I could hardly contain myself when I set out to read this article.  Finally, the academic deficiencies of our kids were addressed. Sixteen bills were signed into law.

However, my enthusiasm plunged when I saw that only 3 even remotely addressed actual attempts at academic improvement in the classroom. The others ranged from mandating that the Ten Commandments be displayed in every classroom, the establishment of Education Savings Accounts, which is tax-payer funded financial bailout for private schools, the clarification of how parents can avoid getting their children vaccinated, the pronoun a child can be referred to in school, the lowering of teacher training requirements, to allowing school boards to appoint chaplains to serve in public schools.

Repeatedly, studies have shown the benefits of Pre-School and the successful performance in grades K-3 as the crucial determining factors for higher grades’ success. Yet, Pre-School funding, after initially being completely eliminated, was hastily restored to last year’s level, serving a paltry 2,000 children.   And, you can forget about a state-wide after school K-3 tutorial program being funded, for it wasn’t even proposed as part of Landry’s educational “Dream Package.” Also, Landry didn’t forget about our colleges and universities, which are still operating under draconian budget cuts from the Jindal years, for they were told to plan for up to a $250 million cut next year.

But I am sure Landry, and some parents are happy because they got their ways about LGBTQ+ restrictions, allowing home schooled students to participate in public school extracurricular activities, and other 'educational reform' issues having nothing to do with helping kids achieve academically.

So, congratulations to Governor Landry, our legislators, and vocal, extremist parents who have ensured once again that Louisiana will continue to rank the lowest nation-wide in academic success.  You owe all your kids and grandkids a shameful apology for failing them yet again.