Pelican State News

In the Center for Education Reform's 2024 Parent Power Index, Louisiana secured the twenty-forth position, with an Overall Parent Power Index Score of 70.3%.

The index, designed to assess the degree of parental power in each state, highlights key indicators such as Choice Programs, Charter Schools and Innovation. 

Louisiana scored a 68% in Choice Programs, which represents families' ability to access and choose programs that best fit their needs. 

The state's Charter Schools system, which is based on the availability of alternative educational options for students and families, scored a 78%.

In the final category of Innovation, scored on the state's dedication to fostering creative and personalized learning environments, Louisiana earned a 55%.

While Florida claims the top spot with a 93% overall score, states like Arizona, Indiana, Ohio, and North Carolina follow closely behind in the top rankings, emphasizing a national trend towards prioritizing parental involvement in education.

Kansas, South Dakota, and North Dakota round out the bottom of the list along with six other states that received a grade of ‘F’.

The Parent Power Index serves as a valuable resource for families across the country, offering insights into state-level educational policies and opportunities. 

Through the index's interactive map, parents can explore the status of parental empowerment in their state and discover avenues to advocate for greater involvement and choice in education.

"An early adopter of education freedom, the Bayou State's efforts to give parents power is considerably limited given the need. Fewer than a third of all students are proficient in major subjects and among low-income students, the challenges are even greater. With laws on the books to give parents choices, and a willing legislature, expansion isn't that big a lift," the Parent Power Index notes.

"JGovernor Jeff Landry is fulfilling his campaign commitment to hold struggling schools accountable and to promote and expand the state’s parental choice programs. He has promised to sign the Giving All a True Opportunity to Rise (GATOR) ESA legislation once it has been sent to his desk," Parent Power Index said in its assessment of the state’s “Policy Environment.”