New Graduation Data Reveals Improvement for Some Students in Louisiana, but Disparities Persist

Education in Louisiana: Improving Graduation Rates but Facing Challenges for Non-Native English Speakers

The latest data from the Louisiana Department of Education reveals a positive trend in high school graduation rates, yet significant challenges remain, particularly for students who are English language learners. Released on Wednesday, these statistics indicate that roughly 83% of public high school students in Louisiana graduated on time in the spring of 2023—a slight increase of half a percentage point from the previous year. Despite this inching improvement, Louisiana’s graduation rate still trails the national average of 87% from previous years.

As part of a concerted effort to enhance educational outcomes, the graduation rates for students with disabilities have notably improved for the third consecutive year. In 2023, the graduation rate for these students reached 78%, marking an increase of 1.5 percentage points from the previous year. This improvement can be attributed to various initiatives implemented by the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE), including enhanced technical assistance for families, increased funding for family support programs, and a comprehensive update of special education policies.

One significant aspect of Louisiana’s graduation policies is the requirement for most students to pass standardized tests to earn their diplomas. Unfortunately, students who struggle with English language proficiency find themselves at a distinct disadvantage. In fact, English learners in Louisiana recorded the lowest graduation rate at a mere 43.7%, representing a decline of over two percentage points from the prior year. This stark statistic underscores a critical issue within the state’s education system—how to adequately support and uplift students who are not yet fluent in English.

Interestingly, Louisiana stands out as the only state that mandates all students, except those with disabilities, to pass standardized tests in order to graduate. While other states have adopted alternative graduation pathways for non-native speakers, Louisiana’s stringent testing requirements have sparked debates about fairness and accessibility. Just last year, the state board of education briefly considered implementing an appeals process that would have allowed students who repeatedly failed state exams to submit a portfolio of their work for evaluation. This proposed solution garnered widespread support from educational advocates who saw it as a necessary step towards equity.

However, the appeal process was short-lived. On his first day in office, Governor Jeff Landry vetoed this new pathway, citing concerns over potential dilution of the state’s diploma quality and confusion among employers regarding graduates’ competencies. This reversal highlights a persistent tension between legislative decision-making and educational advocacy in Louisiana. While the state government moves forward with strict policies, educators are left grappling with the implications for their students, particularly those facing linguistic barriers.

In response to these challenges, a spokesperson for the LDOE stated that the department is actively developing better resources and guidance to support schools in maximizing opportunities for English learners. These efforts aim to bolster student proficiency in English and improve overall graduation rates in this demographic.

Despite the ongoing challenges, the overall number of public school graduates in Louisiana has seen a positive uptick. In the past year, 40,930 students graduated from public schools, a modest rise from 40,648 the year before. Education officials, including State Superintendent Cade Brumley, have expressed gratitude for the efforts of educators and families in helping more students achieve this critical milestone. In a statement, Brumley acknowledged the upward trend but emphasized that the ultimate goal remains ensuring all graduates are “ready for a career, college, or service.”

As Louisiana continues to navigate the complexities of its educational landscape, the focus remains on enhancing support for all students, particularly vulnerable populations such as English language learners. By fostering an equitable educational environment, the state hopes to elevate its graduates and ensure that a Louisiana diploma is recognized as valuable and credible—both within the state and beyond.

In summary, while Louisiana is making strides in raising high school graduation rates, the state faces intricate challenges in supporting non-native English speakers and addressing the unique barriers they encounter. As discussions around educational policy evolve, ongoing advocacy and collaborative efforts will be essential in driving positive change and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.