Louisiana Superintendents May Be Assessed Based on Student Math and English Achievements

Louisiana public school district superintendents may face evaluations tied to their students’ performance in math and English exams under a proposed bill that a committee moved forward with on Wednesday.

Rep. John Wyble, R-Franklinton, introduced House Bill 112, which would necessitate that superintendent contracts encompass assessments based on English and math scores for K-3 students, alongside other factors related to student growth.

Traditionally, superintendents are assessed by their respective school boards. However, Wyble’s legislation would impact new contracts and renewals after August 1.

According to Wyble, it is crucial to maintain a focus on investments in education while also introducing accountability measures to ensure the progress of local school districts.

The policy alteration referenced by Wyble was established last year, led by former Rep. Richard Nelson, R-Mandeville, who now heads the state revenue department. This change permits holding back third-grade students who do not meet the appropriate reading level standards, set to take effect in the 2024-25 academic year.

Louisiana has displayed significant advancements in English education practices, positioning it among three states to have restored pre-pandemic reading assessment levels.

The assessment process for superintendents will involve the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), with board members contributing towards defining the criteria and method for integrating math and English scores into the superintendent’s yearly evaluation.

Wyble’s bill stipulates that math and English test scores should constitute at least one-third of the evaluation, shifting from the current requirement for superintendents to meet performance targets only if their districts receive grades of C, D, or F.

Rep. Josh Carlson, R-Lafayette, is in favor of the bill, highlighting the need for standardized requirements for superintendents and emphasizing the importance of numeracy alongside literacy in recent educational initiatives.

However, the Louisiana Association of Superintendents opposes Wyble’s bill, advocating for the autonomy of school districts to opt for or against math and English performance assessments for superintendents.

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