St Tammany Parish School Board calls to end LEAP testing in Louisiana public schools

The St. Tammany Parish School Board has taken a significant step towards reforming standardized testing in Louisiana by passing a resolution to discontinue the LEAP assessment in public schools. This decision, made during a recent committee meeting, aims to address growing concerns about the effectiveness and impact of the LEAP tests on students, teachers, and educational equity.

The resolution, directed to the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (Bessie), highlights that the LEAP assessments have not shown clear benefits for students at any grade level in St. Tammany Parish. Board members expressed that these tests do not align with national scoring metrics and impose undue stress on students and educators. The board emphasized the need for public high schools to have the same flexibility as other educational institutions to provide quality education without the constraints of a flawed assessment system.

In addition to discontinuing the LEAP assessment, the resolution calls for the adoption of a nationally accredited scoring test to ensure fair comparisons with schools across the nation. Board members noted that the current accountability measures create inequities among school systems in Louisiana, placing unnecessary burdens on educators and students.

Public comments during the meeting reflected strong support for the resolution, with many educators and parents expressing their frustrations with standardized testing. A retired teacher praised the board's efforts, citing a national movement against high-stakes testing and the need for a more equitable assessment system.

While the resolution passed unanimously, board members clarified that they do not have the authority to eliminate the LEAP tests independently. The resolution serves as a formal request to Bessie and other state officials to reconsider the current testing framework. Until any changes are made, students will still be required to participate in LEAP testing.

The board's decision aligns with broader educational goals of reducing testing burdens while ensuring that students receive a fair and comprehensive evaluation of their academic progress. As the conversation around standardized testing continues, St. Tammany Parish is poised to lead the way in advocating for a more effective and equitable educational assessment system.