Federal Accountability

In addition to the state’s accountability system, Louisiana must also comply with federal requirements for accountability. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act, also known as No Child Left Behind, requires states to improve student achievement.

In May 2012, the U.S. Department of Education approved a waiver for certain requirements of federal law in exchange for strengthening the state accountability system. The Board of Elementary and Secondary approved the changes to the accountability system in June 2012.

Impact of the federal waiver on the state’s accountability system:

• Schools grades will no longer award points in the School Performance Score for students who are below proficient.

• The high school grading formula rewards student achievement on the ACT and college-level exams, including Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate tests.

• The school's grading formula recognizes progress with low-performing students.

In return for greater rigor and commitment to student achievement, schools gained flexibility in federal funding for schools with high populations of students living in or near poverty (Title I) and for rural education (Rural Education Achievement Program REAP). The waiver also eliminated bureaucratic reporting requirements, including federal reports such as 1003(a) School Improvement Plans and Highly Qualified Teacher Target Improvement Plans.