News Summary
Leah Chase School begins classes with the implementation of Louisiana’s new reading law aimed at improving literacy among third graders. This policy mandates that students must meet specific reading standards to advance to fourth grade. Nearly half of the school’s third graders struggled with reading scores last year, putting them at risk of retention. As the only traditional public school in New Orleans, Leah Chase must navigate unique challenges in light of the state law while advocating for equitable educational standards.
New Orleans – August 6, 2024, marks the first day of classes at Leah Chase School amid the implementation of Louisiana’s new reading law, which is designed to improve literacy rates among third graders. As a result of this law, a minimum score is required for students to advance to fourth grade, a policy that primarily affects traditional public schools like Leah Chase, as most public schools in New Orleans operate as independently managed charter schools that are exempt from this requirement.
In the previous academic year, nearly half of third graders in New Orleans public schools were at risk of being held back due to poor reading scores. Specifically, at Leah Chase School, approximately 49% of the third graders scored below the necessary threshold on a spring reading test. This situation places Leah Chase in a unique position as the only traditional public school in New Orleans, managing the challenges posed by the state reading law designed to tackle literacy issues affecting students.
According to available data, out of the 52 third graders enrolled at Leah Chase, six students were granted exemptions from the retention law stemming from learning challenges. Nevertheless, four students were ultimately retained as a result of not meeting the reading standards; however, two of those students have since departed from the school. Comparatively, statewide, about one in four Louisiana third graders faced potential retention due to similar concerns regarding their reading proficiency.
The literacy initiatives associated with the third-grade retention law were enacted by the state Legislature in 2023. This law requires that teachers are trained in the “science of reading,” which emphasizes phonics-based instruction as a means to improve literacy among students. While traditional public schools must comply with this retention law, charter schools in Louisiana conduct necessary reading assessments and provide literacy training to their teachers but are not mandated to retain struggling third graders.
The oversight of Leah Chase School falls under the Orleans Parish School Board, contrasting with the operational structure of charter schools that enjoy a greater degree of independence. This distinction has raised questions regarding the fairness and accountability of the educational standards across the district. Concerns have been voiced about the disparity in accountability measures between traditional public and charter schools, with educators and stakeholders advocating for equitable standards that hold all schools to the same level of academic compliance.
As the school year begins, it is noteworthy that last fall, around 45% of the third graders at Leah Chase School tested well below the reading benchmark, a situation that barely changed by the spring. Following summer school retests, 10 students remained below the cutoff score required for their promotion to fourth grade, revealing ongoing challenges in literacy levels that necessitate continued focus and intervention.
The author of the retention bill, Richard Nelson, has indicated that the exemption for charter schools was an unintentional oversight, and he hopes for future amendments that include these institutions. Meanwhile, the head of the Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools articulated concerns regarding accountability, emphasizing that while charter schools should be held responsible for student outcomes, they should not have their operational autonomy compromised.
This retention law’s foundation finds inspiration in a similar policy implemented in Mississippi, which has sparked a debate regarding its overall effectiveness. Leah Chase School opened as New Orleans’ first permanent district-run school in nearly two decades, epitomizing a significant step in the district’s approach to managing public schools more directly.
As Leah Chase School navigates these unique challenges on its opening day, the focus remains on enhancing literacy and ensuring all students can succeed as they move forward in their educational journey.
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Additional Resources
- NOLA: Only One New Orleans School Faces 3rd Grade Retention Law
- Google Search: 3rd Grade Retention Law Louisiana
- NOLA: Innocence Justice in Louisiana
- Wikipedia: Education in Louisiana
- WGNO: New Orleans OIG Finds NORDC Foundation Non-Compliant
- Google Scholar: Louisiana School Retention Policies
- Catholic World Report: Opinion on New Orleans
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
