Buried by the coverage of the legislative session was some really great news. Louisiana’s U S News and World Report’s education ranking has moved up to 37th in the nation.

Louisiana Pre-K–12 education has achieved its highest-ever ranking in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best States rankings. The state rose to 37th in the nation for Pre-K–12 education, up from 40th last year. This marks Louisiana’s third straight year of growth on this national indicator.

“Louisiana is the most rapidly improving state in the country when it comes to education,” said Louisiana State Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley. “These consistent national gains are the result of intentional strategy, focused instruction, and the hard work of educators, students, and parents across our state.”

The Pre-K–12 education rankings contribute to the overall Best States rankings. While The Nation’s Report Card scores—specifically 8th grade performance—are one component, the rankings also account for preschool factors, high school graduation, and college readiness.

Last year, Louisiana achieved what was then its highest ranking on this report. Two years ago, Louisiana jumped five places from 46th to 41st.

Louisiana’s efforts have included implementing the Science of Reading, refreshing foundational math, offering high-dosage tutoring support to students in need, elevating the teaching profession, and expanding educational options for families.

Remember, it hasn’t been so long ago that we were consistently ranked at the bottom, but now we can see what reform and hard work can accomplish. This makes it is far easier for us to make the case to stop accepting excuses and for demanding growth strategies over the status quo.

BESE and LDOE have defined the tactics for further improvement. The path leads through a continuation of a focus on accountability, high expectations, early childhood preparation, parental choice, and high value tutoring. There is much more, but we must focus on what we believe offers the best chance of growth.

We all need to thank the Legislature, especially the Education Committees, and the governor’s office for working with us in a joint effort. You may have heard the expression “Let the teachers teach”. Well, as relates to governance and strategies for our education system, I think that the recent results prove a different expression too, “Let the experts manage”.

With the headlines being taken by all the passion for the need to implement tort reform, I felt it necessary to highlight the great success that is the current level of education in our beloved state. And more, to thank those who in state government who realized that management of education policy must be driven by proven experts, specifically our state superintendent and his staff. For the sake of continued growth, the days of the insertion of local politics and political self-interests into statewide decisions must remained buried.