Louisiana is set to overhaul its K-12 English language arts (ELA) requirements, shifting toward what officials describe as a “return to timeless academic practices.”
The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) recently approved the revised standards, which were recommended by State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. The changes are designed to build upon the state’s recent gains in reading proficiency by doubling down on fundamental literacy skills.
“These standards reflect a return to timeless academic practices,” Dr. Brumley said. “They also prioritize feedback we’ve heard from parents and teachers who want more classroom time devoted to core skills.”
The updated standards, which are scheduled to take effect for the 2027–2028 school year, introduce several key shifts in how literacy is approached in Louisiana classrooms:
The Science of Reading: The curriculum will place a heavier emphasis on phonics and foundational decoding skills. This aligns with a growing national movement to move away from “balanced literacy” in favor of evidence-based methods that help students become independent readers.
Grammar and Communication: The revisions reinforce a structured progression in grammar and usage, aimed at improving student communication in both professional and everyday environments.
Cursive Writing: Despite the digital age, the state is recommitting to handwriting, requiring cursive as part of a comprehensive approach to literacy.
State policy requires a review of K-12 content standards at least once every seven years. The current update marks the first major revision since the 2015–2016 cycle.
The process began in 2024 and was facilitated by the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE). To ensure the changes reflected real-world classroom needs, the LDOE utilized a committee of local educators, school leaders, parents, and higher education experts. The revision included public meetings and a formal comment period to gather stakeholder input.
State officials clarified that while the new standards define what a student is expected to learn at each grade level, local school systems maintain the authority to choose their own curriculum—the specific textbooks and daily lesson plans used to teach those standards.
To prepare for the 2027 rollout, the LDOE plans to provide school systems with specialized training, instructional resources, and guidance to ensure a smooth transition for teachers and students alike.
