New Louisiana State Program Sends Your Kids to Work

The Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) has a new accountability system for Louisiana's school districts, focusing on getting students work experience.

• Louisiana Department of Education and BESE approved a new school accountability system in June
• New focus on career education

From Businesses to the Blackboard

The school accountability system is the state's way of grading how well public schools operate, keeping track of how well schools and students operate in the classroom.

The recently approved revisions to the accountability system look to integrate businesses into the classroom to prepare and teach students about a career path after school.

BESE's stated goal in the new system is to bridge a gap between business and education through internship and apprenticeship programs that could be provided through the school system.

Representatives of BESE will be hosting meetings across the state in every school district to begin bringing classrooms and businesses together, no last has been posted yet but will be on BESE's website when available.

New Accountability System

The work-based learning program will take time before it is reflected in Louisiana's schools, possibly over a period of several years as partnerships are developed. Schools will not be forced to adopt the program but those who do will see a 5% bonus on their accountability scorecard for every work-based education milestone, up until they reach a 65% bonus when it becomes a requirement.

“This revised system will drive performance to new levels and provide the public with a transparent understanding of school quality” Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley.

Outside of work-focused education, the new accountability system aims to make the school accountability system more simple, and transparent, and to raise expectations of Louisiana schools.