TOPS Participation & Demographics
The number of students receiving free college tuition through Louisiana’s TOPS program has dropped for the third consecutive year, most likely an effect of declining college enrollment. Part 3 of a three-part series looking at public K-12 education and higher education in Louisiana.
Federal Student Aid
The rate of Louisiana high school seniors applying for college financial aid fell over the last year, fueling worries about the state’s shrinking higher education-bound population. Part 2 of a three-part series looking at public K-12 education and higher education in Louisiana.
Public School Enrollment & Demographics
With the start of the new school year, students are returning to emptier classrooms as the total enrollment in Louisiana’s public schools declines to its lowest level in 16 years. Part 1 of a three-part series looking at public K-12 education and higher education in Louisiana.
Budget Debate Focuses on Education
The state budget crafted by the Louisiana House steers new money to public school programs at the expense of early childhood education, while maintaining the governor’s push to grow spending on state prisons and police.
Expanding School Choice
Education savings accounts are the newest, most expansive evolution of school choice programs in the United States, already adopted by several states and under consideration in many others, including Louisiana. The programs promise to revolutionize how K-12 education is structured, steering public tax dollars to private educational options for students.
RESET: Early Childhood Education
Louisiana should maintain a strong school accountability system, rigorous K-12 academic standards and a focus on early literacy, while building upon a wide and dynamic array of education choices for students and parents.
RESET: Higher Education/Workforce
Louisiana should reset the focus of postsecondary education with the specific goals of providing affordability for Louisiana students, equitably increasing the education attainment levels of its citizens and enhancing the competitiveness of its institutions.