Spotlight: Louisiana

Louisiana will provide tutoring to students in grades K-5 ELA through BookNook, and in grades K-8 Math through Zearn. Through the SLR grant, the state will initially pilot with four school systems to launch and scale effective tutoring. The state will support these four school systems in all aspects of preparation, including training for educators and support in scheduling tutoring during the school day. Additionally, school systems will contract directly with their tutoring providers, BookNook and Zearn, to offer statewide professional development for district and school staff implementing tutoring. 

Background

In late 2020, Louisiana put a stake in the ground on tutoring. Using the experience and knowledge of the state’s teacher leaders, the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) developed reading and math tutoring modules that provided teachers with ready-made lessons that aligned with high-quality instructional materials. Additionally, LDOE contracted with a national scheduling expert to support schools and school systems in redesigning their school day to accommodate tutoring during the school day.

In 2021, in a bipartisan and unanimous vote, the Louisiana Legislature created the Steve Carter Literacy Tutoring Program (HB 85). Through the program, parents of eligible students could apply for reimbursement for products or services intended to improve students’ literacy skills, including tutoring.  

During the 2023 Legislative Session, the Louisiana Legislature passed SB 177, expanding on the state’s earlier efforts by making high-dosage tutoring in math and reading part of the regular school day for students scoring below mastery. 

Summer Preparation

In June 2023, LDOE held an in-person kickoff meeting for all participating school systems, the two selected tutoring providers, and an external organization that will be supporting school scheduling.  The kickoff meeting was a day of learning and collaboration and successfully kicked off this initiative for SY23-24.