Newsroom
Explore the most recent developments shaping education in Louisiana. From policy updates to success stories, stay up to date with what's happening across our state.
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LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION NAMES PLAQUEMINES PARISH SCHOOLS “MODELS OF EXCELLENCE” RECIPIENT
March 3, 2026Plaquemines Parish Schools has served as a model school system for putting Louisiana’s Freedom Framework into action through strong curriculum alignment, clear instructional expectations, and sustained professional learning.
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LOUISIANA STRENGTHENS SPECIAL EDUCATION SYSTEMS FOLLOWING 2024 REVIEW BY U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
March 3, 2026Louisiana will continue strengthening its systems for special education following a 2024 review conducted by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs through its Differentiated Monitoring and Support process.
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LA GATOR APPLICATION WINDOW FOR 2026-2027 OPEN MARCH 1
February 28, 2026Families of students currently participating in the LA GATOR Scholarship Program must renew their application for the 2026–2027 school year. Families of Louisiana students not currently participating in the program or on the waitlist may submit a new application.
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION APPROVES LOUISIANA’S EDUCATION FLEXIBILITY WAIVER
February 25, 2026This authority reduces administrative delays, increases flexibility in the use of federal funds, and maintains all required federal safeguards and accountability measures.
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LOUISIANA ANNOUNCES 2026 STUDENT OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
February 24, 2026The LDOE named its 24 finalists for the 2026 Louisiana Students of the Year competition. The honorees include one 5th, 8th, and 12th grader from each of the state’s eight BESE regions..png?sfvrsn=2490b24e_1)
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CELEBRATING HEALTH PROVIDER, SCHOOL SUPPORT, AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FINALISTS
February 10, 2026Louisiana proudly recognizes the 2026 finalists who exemplify excellence in school health services, school support, and physical activity, highlighting the vital role these individuals and schools play in supporting students' academic success..png?sfvrsn=f580a31c_1)
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TEACHER LEADER SUMMIT EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION OPEN FEBRUARY 9 TO MARCH 15
January 30, 2026Early bird registration for the 2026 Teacher Leader Summit will be open February 9–March 15, ahead of the statewide educator conference taking place May 26–28 in New Orleans.
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LOUISIANA STUDENTS SELECTED FOR 2026 US SENATE YOUTH PROGRAM
January 28, 2026Two Louisiana high school students from Jefferson and Lafourche parishes have been selected for the 2026 U.S. Senate Youth Program and will receive $10,000 college scholarships.
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION LAUNCHES THE PRESIDENTIAL 1776 AWARD TO CELEBRATE AMERICA’S SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL
January 27, 2026Three winners will receive scholarships totaling $250,000, with the national finals to be held in Washington, D.C. in June 2026.
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PUBLIC NOTICE: ESEA CONSOLIDATED FUNDING WAIVER
January 27, 2026Louisiana has opted to pursue a waiver of provisions in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act related to a consolidated funding allocation for the administration of federal programs.
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LOUISIANA SCHOOL CUSTODIAN NAMED NATIONAL RISE AWARD WINNER BY U.S. SECRETARY OF EDUCATION LINDA MCMAHON
January 22, 2026A St. Mary Parish school custodian has been named the 2026 National RISE Award winner, the nation’s highest honor for education support professionals.
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U.S. SECRETARY OF EDUCATION VISITS LOUISIANA TO HIGHLIGHT CIVICS EDUCATION AND STUDENT LEADERSHIP
January 22, 2026The U.S. Secretary of Education visited New Orleans to highlight civics education and student leadership as part of a national tour celebrating America’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
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PUBLIC NOTICE: APPLICATION FOR THE ED-FLEX PROGRAM
January 20, 2026Louisiana has opted to pursue the opportunity to apply for the Educational Flexibility (Ed-Flex) Program.
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PUBLIC NOTICE: PROPOSED REVISIONS TO LOUISIANA’S ESSA STATE PLAN
January 13, 2026Louisiana has opted to pursue this opportunity to amend its State Plan to transition from high school subject-specific end-of-course assessments to a set of high school comprehensive exams in English language arts and mathematics.
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LOUISIANA RELEASES APPLICATIONS FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION LEAD AGENCIES AND READY START NETWORKS
January 13, 2026The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) is preparing to release two Requests for Applications (RFAs) to support early childhood education work across the state.
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DEPARTMENT SEEKS APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM SPONSORS
January 9, 2026The Louisiana Department of Education's Division of Nutrition Support is now accepting applications from eligible agencies and organizations to serve as sponsors and program sites for the 2026 Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), which provides healthy meals to children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, during the summer months when school is not in session.
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LOUISIANA ANNOUNCES 2026 STUDENTS OF THE YEAR REGIONAL HONOREES
January 6, 2026The LDOE and BESE recognize outstanding fifth, eighth, and twelfth-grade students who have demonstrated excellence in leadership, academic performance, achievements, citizenship, and service to the school and community through the Students of the Year program.
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LOUISIANA AWARDED $15 MILLION TO STRENGTHEN LITERACY INSTRUCTION
December 16, 2025Louisiana Department of Education to lead multi-year study on increasing the impact of high-dosage tutoring — building on strong legislative investment and proven gains in student reading
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LOUISIANA SCHOOL PERFORMANCE SCORE INCREASES FOURTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR
November 20, 2025Individual School and District Performance Scores are now available on the LDOE website. The LDOE has also published a list of the top systems and schools in the state for achievement and growth.
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LOUISIANA TO RECOGNIZE CLASS OF 2026 WITH AMERICA 250 SEAL ON HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMAS
November 19, 2025Governor 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.