Next school year Louisiana public schools will have a new state-wide grading system.
The revamped grading system will put more weight on test scores while deemphasizing graduation rates and other measures of college readiness.
Louisiana Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says the new system will provide a more realistic picture of school performance. Additionally, it should prompt schools to take steps to boost student achievement.
The changes will be especially dramatic for high schools. It is predicted that if the new system had been in effect this year, 76% of the state’s high schools would have received lower grades than under the current system.
To help prepare schools and the public for the shift, the Louisiana Department of Education released simulated grades this year along with the school's official grades. The simulated grades show how schools would have fared this year if the new system was in effect.
Caddo Schools currently have a B grade. The simulated score is a C.
Bossier Schools currently have a B. grade. The simulated score stays the same.
Desoto Schools have an A grade. The simulated score is an A.
As always, school grades are a source of controversy especially in schools that have predominantly minority students. The impact of the new grading system will certainly be a measure to determine Superintendency Brumley’s job performance, which had to date been recognized as excellent.
John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.
He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.
John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.
John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.
He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.