Louisiana students grow on 2026 LEAP tests, English is flat

Key Points:

• Louisiana students in grades 3-8 showed gains in math, science, and social studies on the LEAP tests, while English achievement remained flat, indicating sustained recovery from pandemic learning loss.
• Overall, 36% of students met or exceeded state expectations in 2026, the highest rate recorded, with high school students improving or maintaining performance in most subjects except a slight dip in English I.
• Despite progress, English scores have plateaued over three years, math scores continue to improve but two-thirds of students still fall short, and achievement gaps between racial and socioeconomic groups remain wide.
• State policies such as training teachers in the science of reading, providing tutoring, and a revamped accountability system have contributed to academic gains, with some districts like Vermillion and DeSoto Parish showing notable improvements.
• Louisiana is unique nationally for surpassing pre-pandemic reading and math levels, though challenges persist, especially in closing persistent achievement gaps and aligning tests with early reading instruction methods.