Dr. Cade Brumley | Louisiana State Superintendent of Education
Dr. Cade Brumley has served as Louisiana State Superintendent of Education since 2020, bringing a “back to basics” approach that has driven historic improvements in academic performance. Under his leadership, Louisiana has achieved its highest-ever national rankings, positioning the state as one the fastest-improving in the country.
A lifelong Louisiana native, Dr. Brumley has dedicated his career to improving student outcomes. He has served as a teacher, coach, school leader, system leader, and now as State Superintendent.
Advancing Louisiana’s National Standing
Louisiana has earned its highest-ever overall ranking on The Nation’s Report Card, now 32nd in the nation—up from 49th in 2019. The state posted record gains across all subjects and grade levels, with 4th graders ranked 16th in reading. Louisiana 4th graders led the nation in reading growth for the second consecutive cycle and ranked in the top five nationally for math growth. Students with disabilities and economically disadvantaged students outpaced their national peers in both achievement and growth.
In addition, Louisiana Pre-K–12 education is ranked 37th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, marking the state’s third consecutive year of improvement and its highest standing to date. A joint study by Harvard and Stanford also ranked Louisiana first in the nation for reading recovery and second for math on the Education Recovery Scorecard, identifying Louisiana as the only state where the average student has fully recovered academically since the pandemic.
Strengthening Core Academics
Dr. Brumley called attention to Louisiana’s literacy crisis and spearheaded a comprehensive Science of Reading-based plan that has transformed classroom instruction. The state has also refreshed foundational math teaching, implemented new K–3 literacy and math screeners, and expanded high-dosage tutoring to reach more students. Louisiana’s Special Education Playbook for System Leaders has been nationally recognized for improving outcomes for students with disabilities.
Valuing Teachers and Reducing Barriers
Dr. Brumley has consistently emphasized that Louisiana must “have the backs” of teachers so they are empowered to succeed every single day. To cut through bureaucracy and ensure classrooms remain focused on learning, he launched Let Teachers Teach — a statewide initiative built directly from the voices of Louisiana educators. It provides a roadmap for creating classrooms centered on academic achievement and has become a national model for elevating teacher voice.
Expanding Educational Freedom
Louisiana has broadened educational options for families, including the state’s first education scholarship account, LA GATOR. The state also continues to expand charter schools, home study, and other choice opportunities. On the 2024 Education Freedom Report Card, Louisiana ranked 4th nationally and showed the most significant growth of any state.
Redesigning High Schools
Through initiatives like Fast Forward, Louisiana students can graduate high school while also earning industry credentials, associate degrees, apprenticeships, or completing pathways to four-year universities. A revised state accountability system now rewards schools when students complete work-based learning, college-level courses, or military enlistment.
Reducing Student Testing
Advancing Civics Through the Freedom Framework
Dr. Brumley led the adoption of Louisiana’s new K–12 social studies standards, known as the Freedom Framework. The standards tell the story of American exceptionalism while acknowledging the nation’s continuous journey toward becoming a more perfect union. Recognized nationally as among the strongest civics standards in the country, Louisiana has since advised other states in developing similar approaches.
Building on this vision, Louisiana created the Freedom Framework Diploma Endorsement, a new recognition for high school students who demonstrate excellence in civics education.
Achieving Significant Gains on State Assessments
Louisiana students have earned the most significant year-over-year increase in state assessment scores since 2016, with students improving in both English Language Arts and math.
Leading Emergency Response and Recovery
Dr. Brumley coordinated Louisiana’s education recovery from both the COVID-19 pandemic and five named hurricanes, including the second- and third-largest storms in state history. Louisiana was among the first states to safely return students to in-person learning during the pandemic, implementing one of the nation’s most aggressive reopening plans. He also oversaw the development of the LDOE’s first Hurricane Preparedness Playbook to guide school system leaders before, during, and after storms.
