BATON ROUGE, LA — The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) advanced several statewide education priorities during its August 2026 committee and Board meetings, taking action on updated physical education standards and charter schools while continuing discussions on literacy, workforce credentials, and the Minimum Foundation Program (MFP).
The August meetings also provided an opportunity for the Board to recognize outstanding Louisiana students, educators, and community partners whose work is making a difference in schools and communities across the state.
“Each of the issues before us this week connects to our responsibility to ensure Louisiana students have access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success,” said BESE President Ms. Simone Champagne. “Whether we are strengthening academic instruction, examining how schools are funded, expanding opportunities for students or recognizing those who are making an impact in education, our focus remains on doing what is best for Louisiana’s children.”
Key actions and highlights from the August meetings included:
New Physical Education Standards
BESE approved revisions to Bulletin 102 — Louisiana Physical Education Student Standards following the state’s content standards review process.
The revised K-12 standards place a stronger emphasis on student movement, physical fitness, and developing the knowledge and skills students need to maintain healthy and active lifestyles. The new standards will be implemented beginning with the 2027-2028 school year.
The standards are designed to strengthen physical education by focusing on age-appropriate movement and helping students build lifelong habits related to physical activity, fitness, and wellness.
Literacy and the Science of ReadingThe Board received an update from the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) on literacy instruction, implementation of the Science of Reading and key performance indicators used to measure progress. The discussion provided BESE members with an opportunity to review the state's continued work to strengthen literacy instruction and monitor student outcomes as Louisiana maintains its focus on improving reading achievement.
Louisiana Works and Industry-Based CredentialsBESE also received an update from Louisiana Works Secretary Susana Schowen. Industry-based credentials play an important role in connecting students with high-demand career opportunities and ensuring that credentials earned through Louisiana's education system are aligned with workforce needs. The update continues BESE's focus on strengthening connections among K-12 education, postsecondary opportunities, and Louisiana's workforce.
Celebrating Louisiana Students and EducatorsBESE also honored students, educators, and education leaders from across Louisiana for outstanding achievement and service. Honorees included Educational Leader Alternate Pathway 4 Boot Camp completers, recognizing aspiring and developing education leaders who completed the intensive leadership development experience.
The Board recognized school systems earning the 2026 STEM Diploma Seal, including East Baton Rouge Parish, Jefferson Parish and Lafayette Parish school systems, for their work to expand high-quality science, technology, engineering and mathematics opportunities for students. BESE also celebrated Louisiana's Students of the Year, recognizing outstanding students from both Louisiana Catholic schools and schools participating in LDOE's statewide Student of the Year program.
Catholic Schools Students of the Year recognized included:
- Kinleigh Jean Deogracias, 5th Grade, Our Lady of Prompt Succor School, Archdiocese of New Orleans
- Layla Adelaide LeBoeuf, 8th Grade, Ursuline Academy, Archdiocese of New Orleans
- Julianna Isabelle Tan, 12th Grade, St. Frederick High School, Diocese of Shreveport
The Board also recognized Louisiana's statewide Students of the Year:
- Sanil Savita Thorat, Louisiana Elementary School Student of the Year, Fairfield Magnet School, Caddo Parish
- Kaejha Mary-Anne Christine Stewart, Louisiana Middle School Student of the Year, A.E. Phillips Laboratory School, Lincoln Parish
- Melissa An Le, Louisiana High School Student of the Year, Ruston High School, Lincoln Parish
Finally, BESE received an end-of-year report from Carra “Beth” Melton of St. Tammany Parish, a Louisiana Public Interest Fellow. Melton's fellowship initiative, Math with Melton, focused on building math fluency and confidence while empowering families to support mathematics learning at home. Her work expanded into the community through partnerships, parent-student workshops, tutoring opportunities, and hands-on mathematics experiences.
“These recognitions are an important reminder that the work of education extends far beyond policies and Board meetings,” BESE President Ms. Champagne said. “Across Louisiana, students are achieving at high levels, educators are developing their leadership skills, and community partners are finding meaningful ways to support children and families. We are proud to recognize their accomplishments and thank them for their commitment to Louisiana education.”
Recordings of the Board and committee meetings are available on the Louisiana BESE YouTube channel. To view the agendas, visit Diligent Community.
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About BESE The Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) is the administrative body for Louisiana’s schools. BESE adopts regulations and enacts policies governing the state’s elementary and secondary schools in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE).