ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT REBECCA KOCKLER TO JOIN LEADERSHIP TEAM OF LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Department to Open Search as Kockler Transitions to Nation's Second Largest District

BATON ROUGE, La. -- The Louisiana Department of Education today announced Assistant Superintendent of Academic Content Rebecca Kockler will leave her position at the end of June. In July Kockler will become Chief of Staff for the Los Angeles Unified School District, the nation's second largest school system. Since 2012, Kockler has led Louisiana's nationally recognized efforts to raise academic standards and provide curricular and assessment support to teachers and schools.

"I have had the privilege to serve the students of Louisiana for six years," Kockler said. "In that time I have partnered with Louisiana educators to build a system that works to provide every student, every day, learning that prepares them for graduation. I have learned so much from the students and teachers of Louisiana, and I look forward to bringing that experience to Los Angeles, where I will continue to partner with educators in the pursuit of opportunity for every student."

During her tenure, Kockler guided the creation and implementation of Louisiana Student Standards in English language arts (ELA), mathematics, and science; Louisiana Teacher Leaders; Louisiana ELA curriculum guidebooks; LEAP 360 check-up assessments; and the state's nationally recognized curriculum review process. She also led efforts to secure more than $100 million in competitive grant funding to support the implementation of these initiatives. Over that time, Louisiana has radically increased ACT scores, high school graduation rates and the number of graduates earning college credits and enrolling in postsecondary education.

"Under Rebecca Kockler's leadership, Louisiana not only raised the bar for student learning, but also provided materials and supports that give teachers the best chance possible to help students learn," said State Superintendent John White. "The schools and students of Los Angeles will benefit greatly from her extraordinary commitment, talent and vision."

"Words cannot express how grateful I am for the leadership of Rebecca Kockler. Having taught in two other states, I can confidently say I have never seen a more effective approach when it comes to empowering and listening to teachers," said Meredith Starks, an educator in Bossier Parish who serves as a Teacher Leader and who has played a pivotal role in the development of the ELA Guidebooks. "Through her tireless efforts, Louisiana's Teacher Leader Network is a model example of how states can effectively communicate and elevate their educators. She has helped Louisiana become one of the leading states when it comes to teacher knowledge, curriculum development, and student growth. The opportunities she has provided to classroom teachers like me have changed my life."