Providing All Louisiana Students with Opportunities to Learn

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About the Louisiana Department of Education

The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) provides guidance and support to all publicly funded early childhood centers and elementary and secondary schools in Louisiana. Specifically, the department provides tools and resources to schools and school systems to support classroom instruction, assessments, workforce development and college and career preparation. Additionally, the department provides families and the public with transparent reporting of center, school, and school system performance and quality through the Louisiana School Finder.

To stay connected with the LDOE and receive updates on our work and our resources, visit our newsroom and our newsletter subscriptions page.

Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE)

The LDOE is the administrative arm of the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE). BESE was established by the 1974 Louisiana Constitution. The Board is composed of 11 members: eight elected by the citizens of Louisiana’s eight BESE districts, and three appointed by the governor of Louisiana to represent the state at-large. Together, these members adopt and enact policies governing the elementary and secondary schools of Louisiana.

Louisiana's Education Priorities

Louisiana's education priorities maintain a clear focus on what matters most for academic achievement.

  • Early childhood leading to kindergarten readiness
  • Literacy instruction aligned to the Science of Reading
  • Math instruction from foundational to advanced skills
  • Opportunities ensuring a meaningful high school experience
  • An effective teacher for every student
  • Expand educational choice for students and families

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If you have questions, including public records requests, questions about licensure, or other types of inquiries, please see our contact us page.

Louisiana State Superintendent

Dr. Cade Brumley

Dr. Brumley is a Louisiana native who has dedicated his career to serving children, parents, and educators.

Meet Dr. Brumley

Back to the Basics

Louisiana's Education Priorities

From being ready to learn on the first day of kindergarten to thriving in a career, college

Learn about our priorities

Employment Opportunities

Careers at LDOE

Join the Louisiana Department of Education as we strive for excellence.

View current openings

Policy Guidance

State Advisory Groups

The LDOE facilitates over a dozen councils, committees, task forces, and other groups.

Learn more about our education groups
Myrtle Place Elementary’s Catherine Bricelj among nine to receive Terrel H. Bell Award for Outstanding School Leadership

(BATON ROUGE, LA) - The U.S. Department of Education today announced that Lafayette Parish School System principal Catherine Bricelj is a recipient of the Terrel H. Bell Award for Outstanding School Leadership for 2022. The Myrtle Place Elementary principal is one of nine school leaders from the 2022 cohort of National Blue Ribbon Schools to earn the honor.

Under Bricelj’s leadership, Myrtle Place Elementary has grown from a school letter grade of C to an A. Bricelj emphasizes strong relationships, building trust, and focusing on what is needed to support everyone at her school. Myrtle Place is one of seven Louisiana schools named 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools. The school earned that national honor for its exemplary growth.

“School leaders have the opportunity to transform their campus, and Principal Bricelj embraced her role,” said State Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley. “She raised the bar for students and educators, then helped them achieve those higher expectations.”

Named for the second U.S. secretary of education, Terrel H. Bell, the Bell Award honors school leaders who are committed to education as a powerful and liberating force in people’s lives. The award is part of the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program. Principals are nominated by their school communities during the final stages of the National Blue Ribbon Schools application process. 
 
The U.S. Department of Education, together with the National Association of Elementary School Principals, the Association for Middle Level Education, and the National Association of Secondary School Principals, present the Bell Awards to principals of National Blue Ribbon Schools for their outstanding work and the vital role they play in guiding their students and schools to excellence, frequently under challenging circumstances.

All nine school leaders from the 2022 cohort of National Blue Ribbon Schools will be honored during the National Blue Ribbon Schools awards ceremony Nov. 3 in Washington.  

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