Tagged News

• Louisiana ranks No. 4 in national study measuring how states improve education systems Play Video

  December 9, 2024 11:43 AM

  BATON ROUGE—The Louisiana Department of Education said Monday that Louisiana's education system was at the top of a list ranking how states improved their education systems. Louisiana ranked fourth in the national study, which revisited the 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress. The study seeks to measure how well... more »

• Trump has called for dismantling the Education Department. Here's what that would mean

  November 20, 2024 7:32 AM

  WASHINGTON (AP) — Throughout his campaign, President-elect Donald Trump heaped scorn on the federal Department of Education, describing it as being infiltrated by “radicals, zealots and Marxists.” He has picked Linda McMahon, a former wrestling executive, to lead the department. But like many conservative politicians before him, Trump has... more »

• West Feliciana Schools receives state education department award for implementation of tutoring program

  November 8, 2024 11:05 AM

  ST. FRANCISVILLE — West Feliciana Parish Schools on Friday was recognized by the Louisiana Department of Education with its Models of Excellence award for the district's use of high-dosage tutoring providing students with extra academic support. According to LDOE, West Feliciana Parish Schools has more than doubled the number... more »

• Public schools to implement state's first computer science education standards for 2025-26 school year Play Video

  October 9, 2024 12:16 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Louisiana public schools will soon begin to implement the state's first-ever standards for computer science education, the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education announced Wednesday. The new standards, which will be implemented for the 2025-2026 school year, are designed to ensure graduates apply analytical... more »

• Two free educational events available to Baton Rouge students to promote literary, STEM education Play Video

  September 26, 2024 11:12 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Two free educational events are happening Friday and Saturday in the capital region. On Friday, the Louisiana Jumpstart Coalition is hosting its 11th annual Financial Literacy Boot Camp at the EBR Parish Professional Development Center on 3000 North Sherwood Drive. It is part of training... more »

• Walker middle school receives $405,000 grant for aquaponics education program

  September 18, 2024 4:24 PM

  WALKER — A Walker middle school has been awarded a $405,000 grant to establish an aquaponics program aiming to develop and foster scientific and environmental literacy among students, the Louisiana Department of Education announced Wednesday. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's Gulf Research Program awarded the grant... more »

• BESE approves 'Let Teachers Teach' recommendations targeting disruptive students, redundant training Play Video

  August 21, 2024 4:44 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Louisiana's statewide school board on Wednesday approved recommendations from its "Let Teachers Teach" workgroup, reducing the number of training sessions for teachers and calling for stricter student discipline in an effort to eliminate distractions. The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted unanimously to approve the... more »

• New laws take effect designed to protect teachers, discipline students Play Video

  July 31, 2024 9:01 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A new school year comes with a new list of classroom rules. In a letter addressed to school system leaders, Louisiana State Superintendent Cade Brumley says he wants leaders to “recommit to assertive discipline action” in the classroom. In the letter, Brumley laid out expectations for... more »

• Iberville Parish principal, early education leader receive statewide honors

  July 27, 2024 11:09 PM

  NEW ORLEANS - Two educators from Iberville Parish were honored with statewide awards during a ceremony Saturday night. The Principal of the Year award went to Dr. Amanda Austin, who leads MSA East Academy in St. Gabriel. The magnet K-12 school is specializes in math, science and art. ... more »

• Donaldsonville elementary school teacher receives opportunity to attend growth program with national institute

  July 23, 2024 10:52 AM

  DONALDSONVILLE - A local elementary school teacher is one of just 12 educators selected to attend a one-year program to deepen their knowledge of supporting students and faculty in and around their districts. Jessica Ockman works at Donaldsonville Primary School. She and 11 other educators from around the country... more »

• Louisiana's early elementary students improve reading scores by significant margin from start of year

  July 9, 2024 11:23 AM

  BATON ROUGE — Louisiana's kindergarten through third-grade students have improved their reading scores by 10 percentage points, the state's Department of Education said Tuesday. The percentage of students reading on grade level during the 2023-2024 school year jumped from 44.6% on the beginning-of-year screener to 54.6% on the end-of-year... more »

• BRCC Chancellor elected to role at the American Association of Community Colleges

  July 9, 2024 11:01 AM

  BATON ROUGE— Baton Rouge Community College Chancellor Dr. Willie E. Smith Sr. has been elected to serve a three year term as an institutional representative for the Board of Directors of the American Association of Community Colleges. 32 members are elected to the AACC Board. The organization advocates for... more »

• Pierre to take over as Southern University's chancellor; plans to expand educational programs Play Video

  June 24, 2024 6:33 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Change is coming to Southern University's leadership. John K. Pierre will no longer be chancellor of the law center. Starting July 1, Pierre will serve as chancellor of the university’s entire campus. This is the first time since 2015 that the role of president-chancellor will be... more »

• St. George Council meets for education session as next step in forming new government Play Video

  June 19, 2024 4:59 PM

  ST. GEORGE - The Louisiana Municipal Association met with St. George leaders Wednesday to lend some expertise to the new city's leadership as it builds out its new municipal services. The session took place at the St. George Fire Station — St. George's de facto town hall — where... more »

• Governor Jeff Landry hosts press conference discussing slew of education bills passed in session

  June 19, 2024 11:22 AM

  LAFAYETTE - Wednesday morning, Jeff Landry hosted a press conference to speak in detail about various education bills he signed into law this past legislative session, including a bill requiring classrooms to display the Ten Commandments and one allowing parents to use public fund vouchers to send their kids to... more »

• Department of Education funding volunteer group to help keep kids on pace with reading skills

  June 13, 2024 9:16 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Thanks to funding from the Louisiana Department of Education, a volunteer group will receive additional training to help keep kids on track with their reading skills. Volunteers in Public Schools is a local nonprofit that pairs up Reading Friends with students struggling to keep up with... more »

• Louisiana Department of Education hosts career expo to recruit teachers, other professionals Play Video

  June 5, 2024 3:11 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The Louisiana Department of Education held a free career expo in Baton Rouge on Wednesday morning to attract new talent to the education field. The third-annual event, held at the department's downtown headquarters, featured a range of job opportunities including teacher and administrator positions. Attendees had... more »

• Bill increasing access to cardiac arrest training for student athletes, parents lands on governor's desk Play Video

  June 3, 2024 12:51 PM

  BATON ROUGE - This week is CPR and AED awareness week, and a new bill would teach student athletes and their parents about sudden cardiac arrest prior to sports play. The organization who brought the bill, HB252, to Rep. Michael Johnson, R-Pineville, is Gray's Army Foundation. It was founded... more »

• Louisiana lawmakers OK plan to have state taxpayers pay students' private school tuition Play Video

  May 30, 2024 5:10 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Louisiana lawmakers on Thursday gave final approval to a bill that would let parents of children educated in private and parochial schools direct taxpayer money to advance their education. The Louisiana Giving All True Opportunity to Rise bill, also known as LA GATOR, is headed to... more »

• Task force suggests more prep time for teachers, fewer disruptive students and cell phones in classes Play Video

  May 22, 2024 10:34 AM

  BATON ROUGE — A state Education Department workgroup assigned the task of eliminating perceived distractions in the classroom is recommending that public school districts allow more time for teachers to prepare lessons, remove disruptive students from the classroom and have students stow their cell phones during class time. The... more »

• Follow the money: Senate OKs plan to change who Louisiana pays to educate its kids Play Video

  May 17, 2024 1:43 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The Louisiana Senate OK'd a bill that would transform the way the state pays to fund its children's educations, agreeing to let parents direct state dollars to private schools of their choice. Under the bill, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education would determine how money... more »

• Crime tops concerns across Louisiana, WBRZ poll finds Play Video

  August 24, 2023 1:10 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana voters name crime and violence as their top concern, with education close behind. That's according to a new WBRZ News 2 poll. When asked to identify the most important problem facing the state, 18 percent of respondents listed crime and violence. Another 16 percent named... more »

• Narcisse advances in Broward County Schools superintendent search Play Video

  May 30, 2023 10:55 AM

  FORT LAUDERDALE - East Baton Rouge Schools Superintendent Dr. Sito Narcisse moved one step closer to securing a new position leading the nation's sixth-largest school district, as he was named a finalist Tuesday morning for the superintendent's post in Broward County, Florida. The school board there voted to advance... more »

• Franciscan High School closing its doors at end of school year

  May 9, 2023 5:41 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A Catholic high school that opened just six years ago will close at the end of the current school year. Administrators at Franciscan High School have notified staff and students that they can no longer sustain operations. "Please know that all options to continue operating... more »

• New Ascension schools superintendent to earn $209K under approved 3-year contract

  April 19, 2023 1:54 PM

  ASCENSION PARISH - The incoming superintendent of Ascension Public Schools will receive about $209,000 in the first year of a three-year term laid out in a contract approved by the Board Tuesday night. Edith Walker will receive that total amount, based off a salary and add-on pay that acknowledges... more »

• Local teachers, principals pepper list of state honorees

  March 21, 2023 12:09 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Educators from across the Capital Area are among those named as semifinalists for Louisiana Teacher of the Year and Louisiana Principal of the Year. The announcement on Tuesday also notes finalists for Louisiana New Teacher of the Year. Those on the list will be honored... more »

• LDOE employees speak out following concern over childcare funding problems

  October 28, 2022 4:48 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A day after some parents told 2 On Your Side they have been running into trouble with the state's childcare assistance program, employees handling applications are sharing their side of the story. They say they're drowning in paperwork, jobs are being cut and employees are leaving. ... more »

• Parents making tough decisions without funding after state expands childcare program Play Video

  October 27, 2022 4:43 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Some parents who have relied on the Louisiana Department of Education's Child Care Assistance Program tell 2 On Your Side that they are now running into trouble securing that funding. Several of them say they have had to make tough decisions for their family which include... more »

• After 2 On Your Side report, school officials won't deny teachers stipend over maternity leave Play Video

  June 2, 2022 4:36 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The East Baton Rouge Parish School Board voted Thursday to overturn a contentious policy that withheld a bonus from teachers who took maternity leave and FMLA. After the item was deferred at multiple meetings this month, school board finally voted unanimously Thursday night to change the... more »

• EBR School Board approves one-time stipend; amount varies by position Play Video

  February 17, 2022 11:25 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The East Baton Rouge School Board Thursday approved a one-time stipend for more employees than was originally proposed, settling on $1,200 for certificated staff and $600 for all other district employees. The compromise came two weeks after a school board committee did not make a recommendation... more »

• Bus driver crisis: 'We'll do our best,' school district says in plea for parents to pickup students Thursday

  February 17, 2022 3:34 PM

  AMITE - Parents were asked to pick up their children from school instead of relying on public school transit in Tangipahoa Parish Thursday after more than 10% of bus drivers called out sick. "...Many bus drivers... can not run their afternoon routes," an emailed note from the Tangipahoa Parish... more »

• Education commission to equip school systems with tools for hurricane preparedness Play Video

  January 31, 2022 2:47 PM

  BATON ROUGE - In the last few years, Louisiana has faced several significant weather events. Right now, there isn't a plan for school leaders to follow in the event disaster strikes. It's why Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says a committee has been formed to develop one.... more »

• After daughter repeatedly hit by child at Baker daycare, mom demands accountability Play Video

  October 6, 2021 11:27 PM

  BAKER - One mom is asking for Scholarly Education of Precious Tots, a daycare on Harding Street, to face punishment after the daycare's video system captured her daughter being hit repeatedly by another child. "I was very angry," Lakreisha Lawrence said. "I was very upset." Daily, Lawrence checks... more »

• Central welcomes students back to school Play Video

  August 12, 2021 5:17 AM

  CENTRAL - Teachers and school officials in Central are preparing to welcome nearly 5,000 students to the first day of the 2021-2022 school year Thursday and Friday. Campuses have been cleaned, teachers and staff are masked, and classrooms are ready to accommodate students for the upcoming semester. As... more »

• Livingston Parish students mask up for first day of 2021-2022 school year Play Video

  August 11, 2021 8:05 AM

  LIVINGSTON PARISH - Livingston Parish students are all set to begin Day One of the 2021-2022 school year, Wednesday. The first day has been staggered so that students whose last names begin with A-K start classes Wednesday, and students whose last names begin with L-Z start classes Thursday. ... more »

• Staff, educators welcome students to new Prairieville campus, Sugar Mill Primary School Play Video

  August 10, 2021 8:50 AM

  PRAIRIEVILLE - Campuses across Ascension Parish are preparing for the exciting first day of class for K-12 students early Tuesday morning. WBRZ's Dana DiPiazza is visiting Prairieville's Sugar Mill Primary School where a new school year also means a brand new campus for local students. Ascension schools... more »

• EBR school employees will need to share vaccine information with bosses, all to be tested for COVID weekly Play Video

  August 5, 2021 6:40 PM

  BATON ROUGE – East Baton Rouge Parish School System employees will need to share their COVID vaccine status with bosses and undergo weekly COVID tests, the school board agreed in a meeting Thursday. NEWS: @ebrpschools votes to allow superintendent to require employees share #COVID19 vaccination status with... more »

• Raising Cane's offers employees online education via partnership with LSU

  August 5, 2021 10:55 AM

  BATON ROUGE - One of Louisiana's favorite fast-food chains has found yet another way to give back. Raising Cane’s, a restaurant chain created by Louisiana native Todd Graves and LSU graduate Craig Silvey, is partnering with Louisiana State University to provide online educational opportunities for 35,000 of its crewmembers... more »

• EBR teachers hesitant to attend in-person training; some calling it a 'superspreader event'

  August 2, 2021 9:34 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Some teachers were at odds this week with group meetings for educators ahead of the new school year in East Baton Rouge, though the district said it took strict health measures into account when booking in-person training. "[EBR Parish School System]takes the health and safety of... more »

• LDH offering routine COVID testing to K-12 schools; EBR and Zachary on board Play Video

  July 28, 2021 11:25 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Days before students across the state return to classrooms, the Louisiana Department of Health is launching an effort to combat potential outbreaks in schools. A K-12 testing program, funded with dollars from the American Rescue Plan, will allow any school district in the state to routinely... more »

• School near normal for the fall in East Baton Rouge

  June 28, 2021 8:01 PM

  BATON ROUGE - School officials in East Baton Rouge say students will return to near normal conditions when classes start for the upcoming fall semester, but some COVID-19 restrictions will still be in place. "We're following what the governor's mandate in wearing masks, some social distancing," Superintendent Dr. Sito... more »

• Two Louisiana students named 2021 US Presidential Scholars

  May 13, 2021 9:12 AM

  Two Louisiana students have garnered national attention for their educational achievements. A Thursday morning news release from the U.S. Department of Education announced that Louisiana-based students, Ju-Woo Nho of Baton Rouge Magnet High School and Eric Jaron Jones of Destrehan High School are among the 161 high school seniors... more »

• New summer camp aims to educate through sports Play Video

  May 3, 2021 8:48 PM

  ST. FRANCISVILLE - A new summer camp is coming to schools in West Feliciana Parish to help motivate students to get back to learning after being cooped during the pandemic. "With the pandemic, our kids have been through so much," West Feliciana School Superintendent, Hollis Milton said. The... more »

• Sunday Journal: Dream Teachers Play Video

  April 26, 2021 5:14 AM

  Dream Teachers is on a mission to honor, elevate, and inspire Louisiana's teachers, such as the state's current Teacher of the Year, Nathalie Roy. In this episode of Sunday Journal, audiences will visit Roy's classroom and explore her secrets to success as a distinguished educator. Then audiences will... more »

• EBR School System to host virtual teacher job fair Thursday evening Play Video

  April 15, 2021 5:50 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The East Baton Rouge Parish School System is hosting a virtual teacher job fair, Thursday. Those interested in participating are encouraged to begin registering immediately. Officials explained their reason for creating the job fair in a news release, stating, "COVID-19 presented unique challenges to the... more »

• R.E.A.L. reading help for young students Play Video

  April 14, 2021 8:11 AM

  For many students, especially younger ones, this school year has been difficult with virtual and hybrid learning. Because literacy rates have fallen for students statewide in Pre-K through 3rd grade for a third year in a row, the state is offering free resources to help those young students get... more »

• Slidell school employee charged with battery after hitting student with meter stick

  March 3, 2021 3:33 PM

  SLIDELL - A St. Tammany Parish Public School employee has been charged with simple battery, following an incident where a student was struck with a meter stick. The para-professional, identified as 66-year-old Terry Pratts of Slidell, reportedly slapped a student with a meter stick during dismissal time on Monday.... more »

• Teachers aware it may take a while before they get their first vaccine shot Play Video

  February 21, 2021 2:52 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Starting Monday, teachers and staff will be eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Governor John Bel Edwards extended the priority list to include educators, though the process may take a while. "The biggest thing is we’re just going to have to be patient because it's... more »

• Capital area educators deem in-person learning safe and effective amid pandemic Play Video

  January 30, 2021 1:59 PM

  New CDC reports show that students returning to full in-person learning is safe if the right precautions are in place. "What we have found is that our campuses are not spreading the virus," says West Baton Rouge Parish Schools Superintendent, Wes Watts. Watts says his district can have... more »

• Special School District moves to 100 percent virtual instruction amid virus concerns

  January 29, 2021 7:49 AM

  BATON ROUGE – A Friday (Jan. 29) morning news release from the Special School District informed the public of its decision to move to 100 percent virtual instruction for at least two weeks. In the release, district superintendent, Ernest E. Garrett III explained how he came to this decision.... more »

• Knock Knock Museum, others bring diverse book collection into EBR schools Play Video

  January 28, 2021 9:55 AM

  BATON ROUGE - On Wednesday, January 27, the East Baton Rouge Parish School System made history by becoming the first and only public school system in the country to have The Conscious Kid children’s book collection in every single public elementary school in the district. This unique collection of... more »

• Newly-selected EBR superintendent already visiting campuses, preparing for job Play Video

  January 15, 2021 6:37 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Less than 24 hours after edging out the interim East Baton Rouge School System superintendent for the full-time job, Dr. Sito Narcisse arrived at Glen Oaks Magnet High to meet teachers, students and members of the media. "When I [landed] the first thing I wanted to... more »

• Few changes to LSU COVID-19 testing for students returning to class Monday Play Video

  January 9, 2021 10:08 PM

  BATON ROUGE - On Saturday LSU released a COVID-19 guideline update for the Spring 2021 semester. LSU sent an email to students and faculty further detailing plans for the spring semester. With new guidelines made masks will still be required inside all classrooms and COVID-19 updates will still be... more »

• EBR Parish School Board member Connie Bernard pleads guilty to 2018 charge Play Video

  December 23, 2020 9:35 PM

  BATON ROUGE - East Baton Rouge Parish School Board member Connie Bernard pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge for her profanity-laced tirade at a teen party in her neighborhood in 2018. A viral video showed Bernard putting her hands on the neck of a young man at a house... more »

• Park Elementary students return to in class learning after recent spike in virus cases Play Video

  November 29, 2020 10:04 PM

  BATON ROUGE -Students will be returning to in-person classes Monday morning at Park Elementary School in Baton Rouge after turning virtual due to a recent spike in coronavirus cases. On Friday, Nov. 13 the school transitioned to being 100% virtual. "So you think it was... more »

• Education Leaders: Release of ACT data reveals Louisiana's score is at an all-time low

  October 14, 2020 12:44 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The state's Department of Education announced Wednesday that Louisiana's average ACT Composite score has dipped to 18.7. Based on the department's annual release of ACT data for the 2020 high school graduating class, Louisiana's score is at an all-time low since the state granted all students... more »

• School districts reviewing phased re-opening plans amid state entrance into phase 3

  September 10, 2020 12:30 PM

  Ascension Parish The Ascension Parish School System said Thursday, it will update its plan on transitioning more students to daily in-person learning soon after the governor revealed the state will move into phase 3 of its reopening plan. The school system said while it has already outlined each... more »

• Keeping students safe, wearing masks at school Play Video

  September 3, 2020 5:51 PM

  BATON ROUGE - As more students head back to in-person learning, they're masking up. Dr. Michael Bolton, a pediatric infectious disease physician at Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital, says parents should start getting their child used to wearing a mask long before they go back to school. ... more »

• EBR Head Start to delay in-person classes until 2021

  August 25, 2020 7:10 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The youngest students in East Baton Rouge will delay in-person education until 2021. The city announced the East Baton Rouge Parish Head Start Program will delay face-to-face classroom instruction until COVID-19 cases stabilize in East Baton Rouge Parish. The program will provide virtual services beginning September... more »