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

Commemorative seal marks nation’s 250th anniversary and supports Louisiana’s commitment to civics education

BATON ROUGE, La. —Governor Jeff Landry and State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley announced, in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, that diplomas awarded to the Class of 2026 will feature a commemorative America 250 seal. Watch the video here. 

“Two hundred and fifty years ago, our Founding Fathers declared America’s independence and launched the greatest nation the world has ever known,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “We want to ensure Louisiana students not only learn that history, but see themselves as part of it. This seal is a meaningful reminder of their role in preserving our freedoms and strengthening our nation.”

The America 250 seal will appear on the diplomas of Louisiana public high school graduates in the Class of 2026. The commemorative emblem honors both the nation’s founding and the importance of preparing students to be informed, engaged citizens.

“The Class of 2026 will graduate high school at a uniquely historic moment for our country,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “By placing the America 250 seal on every diploma, we are both celebrating our students and reinforcing Louisiana’s deep commitment to civics education.”

About America 250

America 250 is a national initiative created by Congress to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States in 2026. Each state, including Louisiana, has established its own commission to plan meaningful programs, recognitions, and events that honor America’s past and inspire its future.

Members of the Louisiana America 250 Commission include Dr. Cade Brumley, LDOE Assistant Superintendent Trey Folse, and BESE member Sandy Holloway. 

Elevating Civics Education

The America 250 seal complements ongoing efforts by Louisiana to elevate civics instruction in K-12 classrooms. 

Freedom Framework

In 2022, Louisiana became one of the first states to adopt a new set of social studies standards that tell the story of American exceptionalism as well as the nation’s continuous journey towards becoming a more perfect union. Known as the Freedom Framework, Louisiana has since advised other states in developing similarly rigorous civics-focused standards.

Civics Diploma Endorsement

The 2025–2026 school year marks the first time students are eligible to earn the Freedom Framework Diploma Endorsement, a new recognition for high school students who demonstrate excellence in civics education. The endorsement is awarded to students who score Mastery or above on the LEAP 2025 civics assessment. Recipients will receive an additional seal on their diploma and wear a red, white, and blue honor cord during graduation ceremonies.

Celebrate Freedom Week

Held annually to coincide with Constitution Day and Constitution Week, Celebrate Freedom Week is a statewide observance that promotes civic understanding and constitutional literacy among Louisiana students. Louisiana has partnered with the Reagan Foundation and The National WWII Museum on statewide events.

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