Louisiana’s Unique Approach to Reading Education: A Success Story Amidst National Decline
As the nation grapples with declining reading proficiency among students since the pandemic, Louisiana stands out as a beacon of improvement. While many states struggle to regain footing, Louisiana has made significant strides, with a rural parish in central Louisiana leading the charge. NPR’s Jonaki Mehta delves into the strategies that have propelled this success.
In the heart of Louisiana, the historic town of Natchitoches, known for its cobblestone streets and charming atmosphere, has faced significant educational challenges. Despite its rich history, the town is part of one of the poorest parishes in the state, where 91% of students are economically disadvantaged. Kathy Noel, a native of the town, describes the urgency that arose from the community’s educational struggles. “That was a big urgency call, that we needed to make some differences in a hurry, not only in Louisiana, but also back here in my hometown,” she said.
To tackle these challenges, Natchitoches’ superintendent hired Kathy Noel as a school improvement specialist in 2021. Noel’s initiatives, including at Provencal Elementary, have focused on evidence-based reading strategies known as the science of reading. Students are taught in small groups, allowing for personalized instruction tailored to their skill levels.
The district’s reading specialist, Andrea Penrod, explains the new approach: “The lesson that they teach small groups is still the same standard, but it’s scaffolded down to meet the students where they’re at. That is not something that we did five years ago.” This method contrasts sharply with previous approaches where struggling readers were often overlooked.
Superintendent Grant Eloi, who assumed his role at the onset of the pandemic, emphasizes the importance of these reforms. “When you say let’s wait a year, what you’re really saying is it’s OK to let these kids suffer another 365 days,” Eloi stated. The district utilized federal COVID relief funds to set academic goals for each student, coupled with rigorous new reading materials.
In 2021, Louisiana mandated K-3 teachers and administrators undergo training in the science of reading, positioning the state ahead of others in educational reform. As a result, 100% of teachers in Natchitoches completed this training by the state’s deadline. This comprehensive training has revolutionized teaching methods, according to second-grade teacher Cady Caskey. “It has changed tremendously,” Caskey noted, highlighting the shift from whole-class instruction to more individualized teaching.
Data-driven teaching is now a cornerstone of the district’s approach. Teachers continuously assess student progress and adjust lessons accordingly, supported by regular meetings with master teachers who provide ongoing coaching. Master teacher Chrissy York leads these sessions, ensuring that educators can effectively implement new strategies.
The results of these efforts are tangible. Kathy Noel proudly reports, “Proud to say we’ve removed all but three of those labels. We no longer have any D or F schools.” For educators in Natchitoches, the mission to improve reading skills is paramount, as Noel articulates: “There are consequences for graduating on time for having a higher-paying job. There are consequences to being a citizen.” Kindergarten student Alijah Oaks sums it up simply, “It makes you more smarter to know all of your words and know how to read.”
Louisiana’s proactive approach offers a blueprint for educational success, demonstrating the power of targeted reforms and community commitment in overcoming adversity.
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