Visit The LDOE Press Release Archive to read past press releases.

The following is copied directly from the latest LDOE Press Release received by the NPSB Central Office.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Date: 05/23/13
Contact: Public Affairs, (225) 342-3600, Fax: (225) 342-0193

DEPARTMENT TO HOST CONVERSATIONS ON REVAMPING DIPLOMA
Discussions include proposal to strengthen, expand career education

BATON ROUGE, La. – The Department of Education today announced a round of summer discussions with parents, students, educators and community members regarding plans to simplify and improve the state’s high school diplomas. Plans under consideration include strengthening the Career Diploma, to provide more students a direct path to high-growth, high-wage careers. The Department plans to bring proposed changes in regulation to BESE in the fall of 2013. School systems and colleges would adjust course offerings no later than fall 2016.

Proposals for consideration will include simplifying the three diploma system to one Louisiana Diploma with two tracks: technical career preparation and four-year college preparation. The technical path would include junior and senior year education within high-growth, high-wage employment areas dependent on the student’s region. Technical colleges, local industry, and high schools would provide courses.

The career education discussions come after Senate Bill 202, sponsored by Senator Ben Nevers (D-Bogalusa), passed through the legislature, aligning the college diploma track with TOPS course requirements.

“Graduating from high school in Louisiana is too complicated for parents, counselors, teachers, and students,” said State Superintendent John White. “More important, it makes no sense to graduate not prepared for a specific path after high school. We should have one simple diploma that connects directly with the workforce and the four-year colleges.”

Currently Louisiana students can earn one of three diplomas: Core Four, Basic, or Career. However, the diplomas often do not connect to life after high school. For example, even though the Core Four Diploma is intended to prepare students for a four-year degree, only 19 percent of Louisiana students graduate from college. The diploma further requires a different set of requirements from the TOPS curriculum, making it difficult for students to plan their academic path. The Basic Diploma neither meets the requirements for TOPS, nor prepares students for high-wage, high-growth careers. Finally, the Career Diploma includes 2,400 students, with only 171 expected graduates in 2013. Among students receiving a career certificate, two thirds are pursuing credentials in basic computer and customer service skills, not the high-growth, high-wage industry areas in Louisiana.

“The business community is very excited about Superintendent White’s visit to our area to talk about career path curriculums.  With a continual interest in workforce development and a critical need for skilled labor, this focus is timely and significant to all of us,” said Charlotte Bollinger, Executive Vice President of Bollinger Shipyards. “With 80 percent of the population not receiving an associate or baccalaureate degree, it is crucial that we engage students with a path to high school completion and a skill set that helps them support a family. Interestingly, this ratio mirrors the needs of most businesses. This effort to focus on career curriculums could significantly lower drop out rates and help businesses grow.  Best of all it can change communities in immensely positive ways as people find their own happiness in doing work that they enjoy.”

“In spite of the progress we’ve seen through state and district efforts to increase high school graduation rates, we clearly have to do a better job of preparing students for success beyond high school. This means ensuring that they have the skills to compete in a global marketplace of high-demand, high-wage jobs. We must also provide viable post-secondary opportunities that will bridge the skills gap in our workforce,” said John Warner Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Education’s Next Horizon, a statewide non-profit organization that has studied this issue extensively. “We believe that it is equally important that we do a better job of educating students and parents about career and post-secondary opportunities that can lead to success. Examining the current diploma system to create a system that will accomplish these objectives is a necessary step. We applaud Superintendent White’s collaborative approach of gathering input from all key stakeholders in addressing an issue so vitally crucial to the well-being of our children, our families, and our economy.”

This set of broad recommendations to the diploma will be discussed with stakeholders and developed into a more detailed plan throughout the summer and fall. Any changes to the current system would affect students who start high school in 2014, and regions would fully develop junior and senior coursework by 2016.

While the Department works with stakeholders to build out a long-term plan, there will be a short-term option. “Jump Start” will be an option for regions ready to build out high-wage, high-growth career pathways in partnership with a regional consortia industry leaders and higher education prior to 2016. The Louisiana Department of Education will host a webinar on Thursday, June 20 at 2 p.m. to provide more information on this option. Further details on the webinar and the due date for Jump Start proposals will be available in the weekly district newsletter.

Superintendent White will begin a listening tour on June 10 at South Louisiana Community College and will continue to visit technical colleges around the state this summer to gather input and begin to develop a more detailed plan to provide Louisiana students with real opportunity after high school. The Superintendent welcomes students, parents, industry leaders, and educators to join these conversations scheduled for:

• June 10 – South Louisiana Community College at 2 p.m. in Lafayette
• June 13 – SOWELA Technical Community College at 2:30 p.m. in Lake Charles
• June 14 – Central Louisiana Technical Community College at 10 a.m. in Alexandria
• June 20 – Baton Rouge Community College at 9 a.m. in Baton Rouge
• June 20 – Bossier Parish Community College at 5 p.m. in Bossier
• June 21 – Louisiana Delta Community College at 10 a.m. in Monroe
• June 24 – Northshore Technical Community College at 11 a.m. in Bogalusa
• June 24 – Delgado Community College at 2 p.m. in New Orleans

For further details, visit Louisianabelieves.com.

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Louisiana Department of Education Website >>>

Contact the Louisiana Department of Education >>>

Visit The LDOE Press Release Archive to read past press releases.

The following is copied directly from the latest LDOE Press Release received by the NPSB Central Office.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 05/22/13
Contact: Public Affairs, (225) 342-3600, Fax: (225) 342-0193

LOUISIANA STUDENTS GAIN ON ANNUAL TESTS
Recovery School District Schools in New Orleans see greatest gains

BATON ROUGE, La. – The percentage of Louisiana students scoring at the Basic level or above on tests of four subjects grew one point in grades 3-8, with 69 percent of students testing at Basic or above. This reduces the number of students performing below their grade level by nearly 5,000 and marks a nine percent increase in students above grade level statewide since 2008. Over that time, 67 districts of 70 total have made improvements.

This year’s tests are the first in a series of annual assessments that are gradually increasing in rigor, so that Louisiana’s students and schools are held to a standard equal to students nationally. On more difficult writing questions this year, students were challenged, seeing drops when compared to results on the previous year’s writing questions.

Louisiana Believes reform initiatives contributed to academic progress across the state. The state-run Recovery School District in New Orleans saw the greatest improvement among districts, with six percent more students reaching Basic and above from 2012-2013. St. Bernard Parish, one of the state’s most improved districts, piloted the Compass educator effectiveness system and has conducted two years of preparation for Common Core State Standard professional development for their teachers.

Charter schools made growth across the state that outpaced peer schools, improving by 2 points. Districts that have unified Head Start and district pre-kindergarten programs – Acadia, Calcasieu, Plaquemines, Sabine, and St. Charles, for example – averaged greater growth than districts not providing adopting this approach.

“It is critical that we put our students on a level playing field with all others across our country,” said State Superintendent John White. “Improvements set in motion by the Governor, the legislature, and BESE are working. But the new levels of rigor ahead of us pose challenges. We have to keep the progress going. We cannot turn back.”

“This year’s results show improvement, and we are particularly pleased with the increased results of students in the RSD in New Orleans,” said Chas Roemer, president of BESE, “There is, however, still a lot of work to be done across the board to achieve the even greater gains our students are capable of and the state needs.”

This year’s English Language Arts test contained a new writing question aligned to more rigorous standards for student learning. In 2014, assessments will grow more challenging once again with all math and English Language Arts aligning to these more rigorous standards. In 2015, Louisiana students will take math and English language arts assessments administered in more than 20 states across the nation, providing the first comprehensive assessment of the state’s educational competitiveness.

Across the state educators are making shifts in their classrooms to prepare students as they raise the bar. The Compass educator effectiveness system provides a guide on goal setting and classroom instruction. Likewise, the state published a Classroom Support Toolbox to assist teachers in planning for curriculum in the year ahead. Veteran educators support networks of school district staff, and the state has trained 2,000 Teacher Leaders to lead the transformation in every school in the state.

State/District Reports

Spring 2013 Testing Results: PowerPoint Presentation

District Report: State and District Comparison Spring 2012 to 2013 (alphabetical)

District Report: State and District Comparison Spring 2012 to 2013 (sorted by 2013 Performance)

District Report: State and District Comparison Spring 2009 to 2013 (alphabetical)

District Report: State and District Writing Prompt Spring 2012 to 2013

District-Level Results  

Spring 2013 iLEAP: State/District Achievement Level Summary Report

Spring 2013 LEAP: State/District Achievement Level Summary Report

Spring 2013 LEAP Grade 4: State/District Promotional Standard Report

Spring 2013 LEAP Grade 8: State/District Promotional Standard Report

School-Level Results 

Spring 2013 iLEAP Grade 3: State/District/School Achievement Level Summary Report (Percent)

Spring 2013 iLEAP Grade 5: State/District/School Achievement Level Summary Report (Percent)

Spring 2013 iLEAP Grade 6: State/District/School Achievement Level Summary Report (Percent)

Spring 2013 iLEAP Grade 7: State/District/School Achievement Level Summary Report (Percent)

Spring 2013 LEAP Grade 4: State/District/School Achievement Level Summary Report (Percent)

Spring 2013 LEAP Grade 8: State/District/School Achievement Level Summary Report (Percent)

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Louisiana Department of Education Website >>>

Contact the Louisiana Department of Education >>>

This program is for students who are currently in grades 7, 8, or 9 only. There are limited funds available for need-based financial assistance. The application form is available below.

Students who have been previously admitted to the Summer Enrichment Program will not need to pay the $50 admission fee.

Questions should be directed to the following:
Brenda C. Trahan
Administrative Assistant
Center for Gifted Education
P O Box 43251
Lafayette, LA  70504-3251
Phone #:  337-482-6701
Fax #:  337-482-1073

Program Application Form

Program Course Descriptions

Parents will learn about Gaggle E-mail Accounts and the NPSB Parent Command Center (PCC).

The NPSB Parent Command Center is a secure, internet application that serves the parents of the entire Natchitoches Parish School System by providing on-demand and up-to-date Student Information Data such as Class Schedule, Gradebook, Attendance, Discipline and Transcript Information through an easy-to-use, browser interface.

GAGGLE is an online, secure e-mail service for students. It is used in conjunction with the NPSB PCC to provide account information access and parent-to-school communication options.

Pre-register by May 14, 2013 by phone or e-mail with Dr. Adrienne Mustiful at (318) 352-2358 ext. 1169 or amustiful@nat.k12.la.us.

Workshop participation is limited to the first 100 parents who register.

Computers will be provided on-site by the School Board for the workshop.

Parents should bring a photo ID to the workshop so that we can ensure student privacy and information confidentiality.

Print the workshop information flyer

You can browse the webpage, print a copy or visit the online calendar where each major event is listed.

Enjoy the summertime!

NPSB 2013-2014 School Year Calendar (HTML)

NPSB 2012-2014 School Year Calendar (PDF)

NPSB Online Calendar

Read the entire report online:
http://www.ksla.com/story/22183555/la-supreme-court-rules-voucher-funding-unconstitutional

Visit The LDOE Press Release Archive to read past press releases.

The following is copied directly from the latest LDOE Press Release received by the NPSB Central Office.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 05/07/13
Contact: Public Affairs, (225) 342-3600, Fax: (225) 342-0193

BATON ROUGE, La. – Today, State Superintendent John White testified before the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce during a hearing titled, “Raising the Bar: Exploring State and Local Efforts to Improve Accountability.”  The goal of the hearing was to provide committee members an opportunity to analyze the federal role in school accountability and hear about innovative efforts by states and local districts to hold schools accountable for student achievement.

During this hearing, Superintendent White reinforced the importance of accountability in the context of discussions regarding the possible reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Superintendent White emphasized the need for a simpler federal framework that provides a coherent plan for schools and clear direction for states. He also pointed to efforts made in Louisiana through the state’s plan “Louisiana Believes,” built on the premise that all children can achieve high expectations for learning and that those closest to children – parents and teachers – know better than government how to help students achieve those expectations.

Superintendent White emphasized that this plan has guided Louisiana’s efforts to strengthen the state’s accountability system through increased clarity for parents and educators in the form of an A-F school grading system and to promote standards and assessments that align with its ultimate goal of preparing every student for success in college or a career, including factoring in Advanced Placement results and dual enrollment credit. Superintendent White highlighted the state’s goal to empower parents with the ability to choose where they want their child to attend school, whether a traditional public school, a charter option, or a non public school, with the ultimate goal that no child attend a low-performing school. He also noted the success of the Recovery School District and its focus on empowering those closest to students, not bureaucrats, to make decisions on their behalf.

For Superintendent John White’s full testimony click here and to learn more about Louisiana Believes visit the Department’s website at Louisianabelives.com.

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Louisiana Department of Education Website >>>

Contact the Louisiana Department of Education >>>

Visit The LDOE Press Release Archive to read past press releases.

The following is copied directly from the latest LDOE Press Release received by the NPSB Central Office.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Date: 05/02/13
Contact: Public Affairs, (225) 342-3600, Fax: (225) 342-0193

63 DISTRICTS CREATE PLANS TO HONOR EFFECTIVE TEACHING
Plans Support Districts In Recruiting And Retaining Effective Educators

BATON ROUGE, La. – The Department of Education today released a report that outlines the progress of districts across the state in creating new compensation plans and highlights particularly innovative approaches. Nearly every district across the state has developed and approved major changes to how they compensate local educators. These plans, developed with the assistance of area teachers, principals, and district leaders, all address local needs in recruiting and retaining effective educators. Because of these changes, approximately 50,000 teachers across the state will be eligible for pay increases, and 700,000 students will be in a classroom where their teacher is rewarded for helping them learn. While tens of thousands of teachers will be eligible for an increase in salary, no teacher will see their salary reduced based on these changes.

“For far too long, teachers have not been rewarded for their hard work and their positive impact on students. These plans provide districts an opportunity to create a compensation system that helps attract great teachers to their schools and keep the great teachers that are currently there,” said State Superintendent John White.

The 63 plans submitted by districts reward teachers for several factors: a locally defined demand factor, such as teaching in a hard-to-staff subject area or school, and notable success in the classroom based on student achievement, observations, and experience level, which can be established within the classroom and outside of the classroom. Act 1, passed in the 2012 Regular Legislative Session, prompted the creation of these individualized pay scales and provided districts with the opportunity to recognize teachers for their dedication and impact on students.

Districts created a variety of innovative plans to reward educators for their success in the classroom. Several plans, including those from St. Bernard, Calcasieu, Avoyelles, Lincoln, Sabine, Morehouse, and Cameron parishes, are highlighted in the Department’s report for their innovative approach to teacher compensation. For example, Calcasieu Parish is proposing a plan that rewards teachers with substantial stipends for consecutive years of effective performance in the classroom; teachers will earn a $1,500 stipend for two consecutive years of highly effective teaching. Their plan also will reward teachers who have existing plans to pursue an advanced degree. Sabine Parish is using its plan to attract effective teachers to the classrooms where they are needed most, boosting teacher pay up to six salary steps for two years of effective: proficient or highly effective teaching in a hard-to-staff subject in a D or F school if the teacher agrees to stay for three years. Additionally, parishes worked directly with teachers to create these plans, such as Lincoln Parish, where the district held meetings with teacher representatives from each school to discuss the proposed compensation models so that educators had an opportunity to contribute feedback on the new system.

“The overall evaluation scores for teachers in Cameron Parish are very positive.  Our school board members allowed for the stellar performances to be rewarded with $300 or $500 in the form of stipends this coming November, just in time for Christmas shopping.  Our administrators and teachers have again risen to the occasion by utilizing the Compass evaluation opportunity to provide the best learning environments possible for our students,” said Cameron Parish Superintendent Stephanie Rodrigue.

Since the passage of Act 1, the Department has supported districts to ensure that compensation plans meet local needs, are developed with educator engagement, are sustainable and can be successfully implemented in the coming year. The Department conducted webinars, information sessions, and worked one-on-one with district staff to support the creation of a local option that worked for the educators and staff impacted by the change. This work has led to an overwhelming response from districts and significant changes in the way educators are compensated across the state. The Department will continue to work with the seven districts that have yet to submit a comprehensive compensation plan that aligns to Act 1′s requirements. To read the complete report, please click here and for more information on Act 1, please visit Louisianabelives.com.

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Louisiana Department of Education Website >>>

Contact the Louisiana Department of Education >>>

SITE LOCATION(s): NSU Elementary Laboratory School

SALARY: Starting Salary – According to the parish school salary schedule.

QUALIFICATIONS:
>>> Louisiana Teaching Certificate

>>> Knowledge of Common Core State Standards and COMPASS evaluation system

>>> Masters’ Degree

>>> Five years minimum of successful teaching experience

JOB EXPECTATIONS:
>>> Implement outstanding classroom management and instructional strategies to ensure all students achieve at higher levels

>>> Analyze data, so as to meet the needs of individual students

>>> Communicate effectively and maintain strong, positive relationships with peers, students, and parents

>>> Supervise teacher candidates from the College of Education and Human Development

>>> Utilize standards-based report card

WHERE TO APPLY:
Linda G. Page, Personnel Director
Natchitoches Parish School Board
P. O. Box 16
Natchitoches, LA 71458-0016
(318) 352-2358

NPSB Employment Webpage

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Elementary Teacher at NSU Elementary Laboratory School – Job Opportunity: Information Sheet

SALARY: Starting salary: According to parish school salary schedule.

QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must be certified and qualified at the time of the application according to Louisiana State Department of Education requirements and must have 5 years of teaching experience.

WHERE TO APPLY:
Linda G. Page, Director of Personnel
Natchitoches Parish School Board
310 Royal St., P. O. Box 16
Natchitoches, LA 71458-0016
(318) 352-2358

APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 13, 2013 at 4:30pm

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Application packet should consist of a letter of application, resume’, official transcripts from institutions awarding degrees, a copy of Louisiana Teacher’s Certificate with principalship endorsement, three (3) letters of  reference, (one being from your immediate supervisor).

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Elementary / Junior High School Principal Job Opportunity: Information Sheet

posted April 29, 2013