Louisiana students have made significant progress in academic growth, according to the results from the latest Nation’s Report Card.

During Thursday’s Jeff Davis Parish School Board, District 7 Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) member Kevin Berken highlighted Louisiana’s educational progress, noting the state’s considerable improvement in national ranking.

“….Just five years ago we (Louisiana) were number 49 in the nation; this year, we are 32nd, leading growth nationally, which is exciting,” Berken said. “…What’s not on there is that whenever you make the determination for demographics, that Louisiana is second in the nation on this nation’s report card.”

According to Berken, Louisiana’s overall ranking on the biennial exam, which includes reading and math scores for fourth and eighth grades, has improved in the last two years.

“When has Louisiana ever been in the top in the country, on the good list, not the bad list,” Berken said, after the meeting.

Berken reviewed significant developments in Louisiana’s education landscape, particularly commending the progress of fourth graders who demonstrated remarkable academic progress. For the second consecutive cycle, fourth graders have led the nation in reading growth and have also ranked among the top five states for growth in math.

In 4th grade math, students ranked No. 38, which is up from No. 44 in 2022 and No. 50 in 2019.

In 4th grade reading, students ranked No. 16, a significant jump from No. 42 in 2022 and No. 50 in 2019.

In 8th grade math, students ranked No. 43, up from No. 45 in 2022 and No. 49 in 2019.

In 8th grade reading, students ranked No. 29, an improvement from No. 39 in 2022 and No. 45 in 2019.

Berken commended the teachers, administrators and school board members of Jeff Davis Parish, attributing the growth to their dedication to student advancement.

“We will continue to try to move up the ladder,” he said. “Louisiana right now, and State Superintendent of Education) Dr. (Cade) Brumley would say that anytime he goes to speak, that Louisiana is the talk of the nation when it comes to education right now, so it’s exciting. It’s a fun time to be in education.”

Berken said that these advancements demonstrate the state’s emphasis on fundamental subjects such as reading, math, science, social studies and civics, along with changes to the accountability system.

“Getting back to the basics in reading and math will keep us moving up the ladder,” he said. “The high-dosage tutoring and interventions we’re implementing are crucial to preventing social promotion. They need to be proficient, especially if you really start them out young in pre-kindergarten to third grade. If you can’t read, you can’t succeed, and if you can’t read and do math, how are you going to go through the rest of your school years?”

He said employers are looking for graduates who can immediately contribute to their businesses without needing additional training.

Berken also voiced concerns regarding high truancy rates, noting that 25 percent of students in Jeff Davis Parish are chronically absent.

“One of the things that we’re looking at this year is with regards to truancy and chronic absences,” he said. “Chief Justice (John) Weimer of the Louisiana Supreme Court is really pushing it and getting involved in this part of education.”

“Just for instance, Jeff Davis Parish, the numbers that I have, 25 percent are chronic absenteeism,” he said. “So how can we teach them if they’re not at school? So we’re looking at those things.”

Berken announced plans for an upcoming summit to address concerns about student attendance, including how to get students to school and the reasons behind their absences.

He also touched on the LA GATOR scholarship program, which is designed to allocate additional funds for private school vouchers.

As of the April 15 deadline, the Louisiana Department of Education has received nearly 40,000 applications for the 2025-2026 school year. According to Berken, almost 35,000 of those applicants are considered eligible.

The governor is requesting an additional $50 million, bringing the total to $92 million, to fund the LA GATOR program for private school students. This could potentially benefit 11,000 more students, Berken said. He noted that the program is subject to legislative approval and specified the eligibility criteria for applicants.

The discussion highlighted the funding and participation challenges in private education initiatives under the new school choice program.

“So far in my district, the Lake Charles Diocese and Lafayette Diocese have said that they would participate in the LA GATOR program,” Berken said.

To participate, schools must administer a nationally recognized test that aligns with public school and public charter standards.

“The schools I’ve spoken with have stated they would accept students who take these tests,” he said.

Regarding homeschooling, Berken said it seems unlikely that funds will be directly provided to parents. He clarified that the LA Gator program is primarily for private schools.

He stated that if the program continues as planned, it will expand to include everyone in the third year. Currently, eligibility is limited to families at 250 percent of the poverty level in the first year, increasing to 400 percent in the second year, with the intention of opening it up to all families in the future. However, whether the expansion occurs remains to be seen, Bergen said.

He said a meeting of the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget is set for Wednesday to consider approving the program’s management contract. He emphasized that there is still a hurdle to be cleared.