Welcome to the Louisiana Department of Education
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.
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
Employment Opportunities
Careers at LDOE
Join the Louisiana Department of Education as we strive for excellence.
Policy Guidance
State Advisory Groups
The LDOE facilitates over a dozen councils, committees, task forces, and other groups.
Two Louisiana students will earn a trip to Ronald Reagan National Oratory Finals in California
(BATON ROUGE, LA) - To honor America’s 250th anniversary and Celebrate Freedom Week, the Louisiana Department of Education and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute have launched a statewide student oratory competition. Two student winners will advance to the national finals at the Reagan Presidential Library in California.
This special Louisiana division of the national Ronald Reagan Oratory Competition invites students in grades K–12 to reflect on the theme of freedom and President Reagan’s legacy. Finalists will be selected to compete in a state-level event during Celebrate Freedom Week, and the middle and high school winners will earn a trip to the national competition at the Reagan Presidential Library.
“President Reagan reminded us that freedom is never more than a generation away from extinction,” said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “I’m honored to join with the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation for a partnership that invites students to study the words of a courageous leader and bring the ideals of liberty to life.”
Students across Louisiana will engage with a selected radio address by President Reagan, focusing on the enduring importance of freedom. Competition resources, guidance, and submission tools are available online by division. Submissions are due by September 1.
"When students learn President Reagan's words about freedom, they're practicing public speaking and connecting with the ideas that define our nation," said Dr. Richard Schroeder, Chief Education Officer of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute. "We're excited to see Louisiana's students bring these timeless principles to life through their own voices."
How Students Can Participate
- Grades 9–12: Students will recite the full radio address, and will be judged on clarity, delivery, and interpretation.
- Grades 6–8: Students will recite a selected excerpt of the radio address, and will be judged on clarity, delivery, and interpretation.
- Grades 3–5: Students will recite a brief excerpt with expression, illustrate its meaning through an original drawing, and explain how their artwork reflects their understanding of freedom.
- Grades K–2: Students will study a quote from President Reagan, create a drawing that illustrates what freedom means to them, and explain how their artwork reflects their understanding.