Louisiana Advances Literacy, Career Pathways and Student Opportunity 

“Louisiana lawmakers advanced policies this session designed to help more students read proficiently, access learning opportunities that best meet their needs and graduate ready for college, relevant careers and long-term success. By strengthening literacy supports for struggling adolescent readers and reinforcing foundational skills in the early and middle grades, the state is helping ensure students build the academic skills needed to succeed in high school and beyond. 

“At the same time, Louisiana expanded access to career exploration, dual enrollment and workforce-focused pathways that connect students and workers to high-demand industries and real-world experiences earlier in their education journey. New efforts to better align education and workforce training with employer needs will help students transition more smoothly from the classroom into careers with meaningful preparation. 

“Lawmakers also took important steps to support long-term student success by examining sustainable approaches to K-12 and higher education funding and protecting parent-driven learning options. Together, these policies reflect a commitment to strong student outcomes, greater opportunity and an education system that prepares every learner for lifelong success. 

“We are grateful to Gov. Jeff Landry, Superintendent Cade Brumley, Senate President Cam Henry, House Speaker Phillip DeVillier, Sen. Mike Reese, Sen. Rick Edmonds, Rep. Dennis Bamburg, Rep. Kathy Edmonston, Rep. John Wyble, Rep. Kim Carver, Rep. Annie Spell and Sen. Valerie Hodges for their strong focus on results and prioritizing policies that help Louisiana students thrive.” 

About the Legislation

K–12 Literacy 

• HB 316 establishes an adolescent literacy policy for grades 4-8. 
  • Requires screening for students below proficiency in English language arts. 
  • Mandates targeted interventions and individualized reading plans.  
  • Requires educator preparation programs to include adolescent literacy training. 

• HB 271 creates the Louisiana Commission on Foundational Education to focus on literacy, numeracy and foundational skills for K-8th grade students. 

College and Career Pathways 

• HB 268 strengthens career exploration and advising for all students. 
  • Requires elementary school students to engage in structured career awareness activities each year. 
  • Mandates and aligns career exploration activities for grades 6–8 with high-demand workforce sectors and requires career interest inventories. 
  • Integrates career planning into Individual Graduation Plans. 
     
• SB 522 Authorizes vocational and technical charter schools tied to workforce demand. 
  • Expands Board of Elementary and Secondary Education authority to approve workforce-focused charter schools. 
  • Aligns education programs with regional economic needs. 
     
• HB 649 establishes a statewide, uniform application process for dual enrollment. 
   
• HB 951 Creates the Office of the Louisiana Talent Accelerator within Louisiana Works. 
  • Strengthens the state’s talent pipeline by ensuring the state’s education and workforce training programs align with employer needs. 
  • Supports work-based learning including internships, apprenticeships and career exposure. 
     
• HB 632 Expands student data sharing for Louisiana’s Foundational Integrated Research System for Transformation (LA FIRST) longitudinal data system. 
  • Supports integration of education and workforce data systems. 
  • Enables cross-agency data use of long-term student outcomes (postsecondary, employment, wages, etc.) to inform research and drive policy decisions. 

Education Funding 

• SR 172  
  • Creates a task force to study higher education funding formulas. 
  • Evaluates outcomes-based funding for 2- and 4-year institutions. 
     
• SCR 80  
  • Creates a task force to study Louisiana’s school funding formula, the Minimum Foundation Program formula, and make recommendations to stabilize compensation funding. 
  • Focuses on developing permanent, predictable funding for teacher and support staff pay increases. 
  • Reviews the structure and long-term sustainability of Louisiana’s K–12 funding formula. 
     

Education Choice 

• HB 1203 protects innovative parent-driven microschools from inappropriate, burdensome regulations.