James Mosteller is a Legislative Director for ExcelinEd in Action.
Louisiana lawmakers took important steps during the 2025 legislative session to improve student outcomes, strengthen the teacher workforce and invest in future-focused education. While the 2025 session was a shorter, budget-focused session, legislators took important steps to improve the education system on behalf of students.
Led by Gov. Jeff Landry and state legislative champions, this year’s new laws reflect a continued commitment to student-centered policies that strengthen academic achievement.
Here’s a closer look at the new policies shaping Louisiana’s education system.
With the passage of HB 373, sponsored by Rep. Jason Hughes, Louisiana is improving alignment between its K-12 system and workforce needs through a new return-on-investment (ROI) policy.
The new law requires an annual analysis of industry-based credentials to evaluate how well they align with state workforce demands and whether they yield economic return for students and taxpayers. This foundational step ensures that Louisiana understands which credentials lead to real-life opportunities.
Louisiana leaders can use the results of this analysis to hold credentials programs accountable for student outcomes and economic value and the state can better prepare students for higher-wage, in-demand careers.
Louisiana legislators took another bold step to improve math outcomes with HB 321, sponsored by Rep. John Wyble. This new law strengthens math teacher training, including requiring all K-8 teachers in Louisiana public schools to complete a high-quality, state-approved professional development course in math instruction.
The move reflects growing national recognition that math achievement—especially in the early and middle grades—is essential for long-term academic success and career readiness. By equipping educators with research-based strategies and aligned training, Louisiana is working to ensure more students gain strong foundational math skills.
This action complements other reforms aimed at supporting teacher quality and student learning across core subjects.
Louisiana maintained level funding for the Louisiana Giving All True Opportunity to Rise (LA GATOR) school choice program. Lawmakers allocated $43.5 million in the 2025–26 state budget (HB 1) to support students participating in the state’s education scholarship account (ESA) program.
While the funding falls short of the $93.5 million requested by Gov. Landry to accommodate new applicants, it continues to support students currently transitioning from the state’s former voucher program into the new ESA program, which provides greater educational flexibility for families.
Moving forward, robust demand for the program and the leadership of Gov. Landry and legislative champions provide a hopeful outlook for expanding the program in future sessions and providing more students with opportunities to access learning environments that best meet their needs.
From strengthening career-connected learning to investing in math instruction, Louisiana leaders are continuing to deliver timely, student-centered reforms that prepare young people for success in school, work and life.
The 2025 legislative session shows Louisiana’s commitment to keeping students at the center of education policy—and building a stronger future for families across the state.
