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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.
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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.
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Louisiana's education priorities maintain a clear focus on what matters most for academic achievement.
- Early childhood leading to kindergarten readiness
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Louisiana State Superintendent
Dr. Cade Brumley
Dr. Brumley is a Louisiana native who has dedicated his career to serving children, parents, and educators.
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(BATON ROUGE, LA) - The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) announced today that the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's (NASEM) Gulf Research Program (GRP) has awarded a $405,000 grant to establish a groundbreaking model STEM-based aquaponics program at a Louisiana middle school. The initiative, called Greauxing STEM-Stewards, aims to foster scientific and environmental literacy among students in grades 6-8 through hands-on, place-based learning.
Greauxing STEM-Stewards will introduce Louisiana’s first Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) learning environment at Westside Junior High School in Livingston Parish. A CEA is an agricultural system grown within a controlled environment, allowing for technology-based farming interventions. This project will enable students to explore environmental issues impacting their local Gulf Coast communities while learning about aquaculture and conservation. Westside Junior High will serve as the model school where the curriculum, learning lessons and virtual community of practice will be established before expanding the Greauxing STEM-Stewards program statewide.
“In my discussions with students, I am often asked ‘Mr. Morris, how can education be made more relevant?’,” said BESE President Ronnie Morris. “Aquaponics applies STEM disciplines in a very practical and meaningful way, which increases the relevance of the lessons in the eyes of learners. By transforming the classroom environment into a self-contained ecosystem, schools effectively engage students and boost their enthusiasm for learning. We are grateful to receive this significant grant funding which will help fully develop Greauxing STEM-Stewards. The initiative’s model aquaponics lab, one-of-a-kind curriculum, and virtual community of practice for educators will lead the way in transforming STEM teaching and learning in Louisiana. All these components combine to deliver a multifaceted, tangible learning experience that increases students’ science literacy, problem-solving skills, environmental stewardship values, and awareness of STEM-related career opportunities in Louisiana.”
This unique aquaponics curriculum will utilize a catfish and lettuce grow system to offer a hands-on experience that highlights sustainable food production and environmental stewardship. Through this program, students will connect with local industries such as fishing and aquatic wildlife management, helping to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world careers in their community. The program also aims to bring together educators, students, and community leaders to address environmental concerns specific to the Gulf of Mexico region.
The overarching goals of the Greauxing STEM-Stewards program include:
- Building a community of practice for Louisiana aquaponics STEM educators
- Increasing student awareness of local STEM careers
- Improving the knowledge base of local communities regarding aquaponics
- Helping students better connect with their communities
Dr. John Underwood, STEM Instructional Specialist with the LDOE, will oversee the development and implementation of the curriculum, ensuring its alignment with Louisiana’s Student Standards for Science, agricultural and fishing industry careers. Additionally, experts from Louisiana State University’s SEA Grant Program will provide supplemental guidance and training to participating teachers on place-based learning.
“Greauxing STEM-Stewards will not only enhance students’ awareness of STEM careers but will also serve to educate the broader community on aquaponics,” said Dr. Underwood. “The program’s ultimate goal is to equip students with the knowledge to identify and address environmental concerns within their own communities.”
The project officially kicked off on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, with the delivery of catfish fingerlings to Westside Junior High School in Walker, Louisiana. This event marked the program’s launch, providing students with valuable insight into the world of aquaponics.
For more information about the Greauxing STEM-Stewards program, please contact STEM@la.gov.
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