Following consecutive years of improvement, Caddo students maintained post-COVID era growth in student achievement, according to state assessment data released Wednesday by the Louisiana Department of Education.
The LEAP results show Caddo sustaining 5 percent growth our students have continued to achieve across all subjects and grade levels between 2021 and 2024, a period marked with increased emphasis on foundational literacy and numeracy.
That focus is paying off for Caddo’s youngest students with K-3 assessment results showing an 8 percent increase in students reading on grade level, an increase of approximately 800 students between the start and end of the 2023-2024 school year.
“We are incredibly proud of the sustained growth our students have continued to achieve as highlighted in today’s data release," said Interim Superintendent Leisa G. Woolfolk. "The 5 percent increase in student proficiency across all subjects and grade levels between 2021 and 2024 is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our students, teachers, and staff. Our focus on foundational literacy and numeracy is clearly paying off, especially for our youngest learners, with an impressive 8 percent increase in K-3 students reading on grade level this past year.”
Districtwide, 20 schools increased the percentage of students scoring mastery and above across all tested subjects since last year. Additionally, students across all tested grades increasing their proficiency in science by one point.
Wednesday’s release also included recognition by the Louisiana Department of Education for Caddo Middle Magnet and South Highlands Elementary Magnet. The campuses were recognized as the top achieving schools in north Louisiana on this year’s LEAP assessments. Caddo’s results mirror statewide student achievement data and was also in line with districts of comparable size.
Other highlights of today’s release include:
● Economically disadvantaged students increased proficiency by 5 percent across all tested subjects and grade levels since 2021.
● Students with disabilities increased proficiency across grade levels and subjects by 2 percent since 2021.
● In this same time period, districtwide students scoring Mastery and above increased by 5 percent in math, 4 percent in science, 3 percent in English language arts, and nearly 5 percent in high school social studies (3-8 grade social studies results were not available this year because the LDOE is developing an assessment for Louisiana’s new Freedom Framework social studies standards).
Chief Academic Officer Keith Burton said Caddo’s efforts to ensure students are taught by well-trained educators using top-tier curricula and resources is making a difference in the lives of students across Caddo Parish.
"These results show our commitment to quality resources, making the most of our instructional minutes and providing ongoing teacher coaching and development to drive student achievement is making a difference in the lives of thousands of students,” said Chief Academic Officer Keith Burton. “Our strategic focus on foundational literacy and numeracy translates to students not only meeting proficiency goals but being positioned to accomplish their future goals and aspirations.”
LEAP includes assessments of ELA, math, science, and social studies for grades 3-12. The tests measure the knowledge and skills defined by the state’s content standards for each grade. Student scores are reported on five levels: Unsatisfactory, Approaching Basic, Basic, Mastery or Advanced. Students scoring Mastery and Advanced are considered proficient, or ready for the next grade level.
Schools Increasing the Percentage of Students Scoring Mastery and Above Across All Subjects from 2023 to 2024
· Broadmoor STEM Academy
· Caddo Parish Magnet High School
· Eden Gardens Fundamental Elementary School
· Caddo Parish Middle Magnet School
· Forest Hill Elementary School
· Herndon Magnet School
· Caddo Middle Career and Technology School
· Mooringsport Elementary School
· Northside Middle School
· Bethune/Oak Park Elementary School
· Pine Grove Elementary School
· Southern Hills Elementary School
· Sunset Acres Elementary School
· University Elementary School
· Werner Park Elementary School
· Turner Elementary/Middle School
· Donnie Bickham Middle School
· J.S. Clark Elementary School
· Pathways in Education
· North Caddo Elementary/Middle School