In this issue:
- BESE adopts new policies in response to “Let Teachers Teach” workgroup recommendations
- Louisiana releases guidelines for responsible use of AI in schools
- Louisiana awarded over $400K for innovative STEM aquaponics initiative
- Latest BESE policy updates
- Upcoming BESE and LDOE meetings
- BESE member spotlight – Kevin Berken
- Did you know?
- Connect with BESE
BESE adopts new policies in response to “Let Teachers Teach” workgroup recommendations
This summer BESE approved new policies based on the recommendations of the “Let Teachers Teach” workgroup to help eliminate classroom distractions for teachers. The policies will be enacted by the end of the school year and will eliminate redundant teacher trainings, tighten student discipline, and give educators more freedom over lesson planning. Highlights of the policies approved by BESE include:
- Decoupling student behavior and the school accountability system. Student suspension rates will no longer be used to identify schools needing intervention.
- Ensuring teachers have the right to have a student removed from the classroom immediately when their behavior prevents the orderly instruction of other students or poses a threat. A new discipline policy impacts the Teacher Bill of Rights and changes how school leaders must respond to persistent disruptions during class.
- Streamlining and reducing dozens of non-academic trainings and lessons that the state required teachers to repeat annually. Most will shift to a “one-and-done” approach where teachers complete the training one time, while others will be folded into other resources or support opportunities.
- Increasing professional autonomy for effective educators. Teachers who consistently demonstrate success will be provided more freedom with teaching practices and lesson planning.
Let Teachers Teach is a workgroup of over two dozen teachers from across the state. The workgroup developed a set of 18 recommendations centered on reducing excessive training and paperwork, restoring the art of teaching, and removing classroom disruptions. LDOE and BESE have outlined actions around all 18 recommendations. These range from new state laws, policy changes, and guidance for local school systems.
Louisiana releases guidelines for responsible use of AI in schools
The LDOE has developed a comprehensive new guide on the safe, ethical, and effective use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Louisiana classrooms. Based on recommendations from the LDOE’s Artificial Intelligence Task Force, the guidance will assist school systems in creating their own AI policies.
“AI is already creating fundamental shifts in the classroom and in the way students learn,” said BESE President Ronnie Morris, who serves on Louisiana’s AI task force as well as the Southern Regional Education Board Commission on Artificial Intelligence in Education. “Through the work of the AI Task Force and the development of guidance for school systems, we’re taking a proactive approach to establishing best practices regarding the effective and ethical use of this technology. The publishing of these guidelines sets a basic framework to better leverage AI to the benefit of students and educators – establishing parameters while identifying and avoiding unintended consequences.”
Louisiana is one of nearly two dozen states to release AI guidance and has been an early adopter of responsible use of this technology in schools. Download the guidance document (PDF) here >
Louisiana awarded over $400K for innovative STEM aquaponics initiative
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's (NASEM) Gulf Research Program has awarded a $405,000 grant to Louisiana for establishing a groundbreaking model STEM-based aquaponics program at a local middle school. The initiative, called Greauxing STEM-Stewards, will also develop curriculum, learning lessons and a virtual community of practice for educators before the program expands statewide.
BESE and LDOE officials made the announcement September 18 at Westside Junior High in Walker, LA, where the funding will establish Louisiana’s first Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) learning environment in the school’s aquaponics lab. The CEA will provide practical application of STEM concepts and enable students to explore environmental issues impacting their local Gulf Coast communities while learning about aquaculture and conservation.
“In my discussions with students, I am often asked ‘How can education be made more relevant?’,” said BESE President Ronnie Morris. “Aquaponics applies STEM disciplines in a very practical and meaningful way, which increases the relevance of the lessons in the eyes of learners. By transforming the classroom environment into a self-contained ecosystem, schools effectively engage students and boost their enthusiasm for learning. The initiative’s model aquaponics lab, one-of-a-kind curriculum, and community of practice will lead the way in transforming STEM teaching and learning in Louisiana. All these components combine to deliver a multifaceted, tangible learning experience that increases students’ science literacy, problem-solving skills, environmental stewardship values, and awareness of STEM-related career opportunities.”
For more information about the Greauxing STEM-Stewards program, please contact STEM@la.gov.
Latest BESE policy updates
Revisions to state education policy approved by BESE at its August meetings include:
- Bulletin 103 – Louisiana Health Education Content Standards
- Revision of policy in response to Acts 686 and 716 of the 2024 Regular Session (required instruction and training). Full details >
- Bulletin 106 – Agriculture Education Content Standards Curriculum Framework
- Revision of policy in response to Act 393 of the 2023 Regular Session and updates to BESE/LDOE advisory group policy. Full details >
- Bulletin 111 – The Louisiana School, District, and State Accountability System
- Revision of policy in response to Act 393 of the 2023 Regular Session and updates to BESE/LDOE advisory group policy. Full details >
- Revision of policy in response to legislation passed in the 2024 Regular Session and the recommendations of the “Let Teachers Teach” workgroup. Full details >
- Bulletin 126 – Charter Schools
- Revision of policy in response to Acts 331, 400, 686, and 716 of the 2024 Regular Session (ID cards, discipline, required instruction and training). Full details >
- Revision of policy in response to the following Acts of the 2024 Regular Session: 172 (extension and renewal), 198 (local special education advisory council), 216 (mandatory reporters), 331 (school IDs), 334 (charter law and notice), 337 (expulsion), 352 (tobacco and marijuana products), 364 (Type 2 charter applicants with corporate sponsor), 375 (school nurse training), 428 (ten-point grading scale), 659 (student enrollment percentages), 680 (student names), 780 (student discipline) Full details >
- Bulletin 130 – Regulations for the Evaluation and Assessment of School Personnel
- Revision of policy in response to the recommendations of the “Let Teachers Teach” workgroup. Full details >
- Revision of policy in response to Act 193 of the 2024 Regular Session to include the requirements for the parish or city school superintendent evaluation process. Full details >
- Bulletin 133 – Scholarship Programs
- Revision of policy in response to Act 1 of the 2024 Regular Session, which created the Louisiana Giving True Opportunity to Rise (LA GATOR) Scholarship Program to provide educational savings accounts for parental choice in K-12 education. Full details >
- Bulletin 135 – Health and Safety
- Revision of policy in response to the following Acts of the 2024 Regular Session: 95 (CPR/AED training); 161 (practitioner provision of services); 378 (emergency medication); 421 (cardiac health info for student athletes); 460 (vaccine status discrimination); 674 (COVID-19 vaccine not required for enrollment or attendance); 745 (behavioral health services). Full details >
- Bulletin 140 – Louisiana Early Childhood Care and Education Network
- Revision of policy in response to Act 393 of the 2023 Regular Session and updates to BESE/LDOE advisory group policy. Full details >
- Bulletin 741 – Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators
- Revision of policy to add the 2024-2025 civics test to the list of assessments waived from being included as a percentage of a student's final grade in the course. Full details >
- Revision of policy in response to the following Acts of the 2024 Regular Session: 216 (mandatory reporters); 324 (behavior health intervention/referral); 337 (mandatory expulsion); 352 (use of vapes at school); 375 (school nurse training); 428 (10 point grading scale); 650 (numeracy screener); 680 (student names); 715 (home study participants to school activities); 780 (discipline). Full details >
- Revision of policy in response to Act 198 of the 2024 Regular Session (board training, local advisory council, cameras). Full details >
- Revision of policy in response to Act 393 of the 2023 Regular Session and updates to BESE/LDOE advisory group policy. Full details >
- Revision of policy in response to the following Acts of the 2024 Regular Session: 313 (electronic telecommunication devices); 324 (behavioral and emotional challenges program); 331 (ID cards); 386 (truancy); 400 (student discipline/Teacher Bill of Rights) 686 and 716 (required instruction/trainings) Full details >
- Bulletin 741 (nonpublic) – Louisiana Handbook for Nonpublic School Administrators
- Revision of policy in response to the following Acts of the 2024 Regular Session: 216 (mandatory reporters); 352 (use of vapes/marijuana at school); 460 (vaccine status discrimination); 674 (COVID-19 vaccine not required for enrollment or attendance) Full details >
- Revision of policy in response to Acts 331 (ID cards) and 686 and 716 (required instruction and training) of the 2024 Regular Session. Full details >
- Bulletin 1566 – Pupil Progression Policies
- Revision of policy in response to Acts 650 (K-3 numeracy) and 771 (high dosage tutoring) of the 2024 Regular Session. Full details >
- Bulletin 1573 – Complaint Management Procedures
- Revision of policy in response to response to the Louisiana Legislative Audit (LLA) on Risk-Based Monitoring. Full details >
- Bulletin 1706 – Regulations for Implementation of the Children with Exceptionalities Act
- Revision of policy in response to Acts 198 (early resolution process); 512 (IEP scheduling/due process); and 689 (tutorship) of the 2024 Regular Session. Full details >
- Bulletin 1922 – Compliance Monitoring Procedures
- Revision of policy in response to response to the Louisiana Legislative Audit (LLA) on Risk-Based Monitoring. Full details >
- Bulletin 1929 – Compliance Monitoring Procedures
- Revision of policy in response to Act 368 of the 2024 Regular Session. Full details >
Policy revisions approved by BESE are submitted to the Louisiana Register for public notification and comment as part of the state’s Notice of Intent (NOI) process. Current BESE NOIs may be tracked here >
Upcoming BESE and LDOE meetings
September 30 – Superintendents’ Advisory Council
October 1 – Teacher Advisory Council
October 7 – BESE Retreat
October 8 – BESE Committees
October 9 – BESE Meeting
October 9 – MFP Task Force
October 16 – Agricultural Education Commission
Meeting dates are subject to change and cancellation. For the latest scheduling information, agendas, and video streaming links, visit bese.louisiana.gov.
BESE member spotlight – Kevin Berken
BESE District 7 Member Kevin Berken has devoted his experience to numerous agricultural boards and organizations, serving as Chairman for a number of organizations. This includes his time as Chairman of the Louisiana Rice Promotion Board, the Louisiana Rice PAC, the USA Rice Federation PAC, and the Jefferson Davis Parish Rice Growers Association.
Mr. Berken also lent his time and expertise to several organizations focused on securing Louisiana’s economic prosperity. He serves on the Jennings American Legion Hospital Board and is currently the Finance Committee Chairman. He also serves as a member of Hospice of Acadiana Board of Directors in Lafayette and is Chairman of the Finance Committee, and is a past member of the Agriculture and Business Committee of the Federal Reserve Board of Atlanta. He is a co-founder of the Yellow Rails and Rice Festival.
In his current role with BESE, Mr. Berken serves as the chair of the Board Administration and Education Finance Committee and the Minimum Foundation Program (MFP) Task Force.
Learn more about BESE Members here >
Did you know?
Prior to the state’s 1973 Constitutional Convention, education at all levels in Louisiana, except for LSU, was governed by a single State Board of Education. Learn more about the convention that led to the creation of BESE and other interesting facts on the history of the Board here >
Under the Louisiana constitution, BESE is charged with developing and submitting the Minimum Foundation Program (MFP) formula to the legislature for consideration each year. This formula determines the cost of a minimum program of education in all public elementary and secondary schools. BESE’s MFP Task Force was created in 2013 in order to engage educators, districts, policy experts, and communities to offer guidance to the Board on the annual development of the formula. Currently the Task Force is studying each level of the formula in order to provide future recommendations to BESE for strengthening the equitable distribution of state funds to Louisiana schools and systems.
Connect with BESE
Visit BESE online: BESE.louisiana.gov
Follow BESE on X: x.com/BESE_LA
Watch BESE on YouTube: youtube.com/@louisianaBESE
Attend BESE meetings: https://bese.louisiana.gov/meetings/meeting-calendars