LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION NAMES LAFOURCHE PARISH SCHOOL DISTRICT “MODELS OF EXCELLENCE” RECIPIENT

(BATON ROUGE, LA - September 19, 2022) - The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) awarded its Models of Excellence to the Lafourche Parish School District (LPSD) for the success of their innovative science initiative and their perseverance through Hurricane Ida. State Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley presented the honor to LPSD Superintendent Jarod Martin during a ceremony today at Central Lafourche High.

“Superintendent Martin and his team have displayed an unwavering commitment to student success, no matter the challenge,” said Dr. Brumley. “They have been early adopters of high quality learning materials, give their teachers the support needed to be their best, and are always willing to help other Louisiana system leaders learn from their experiences. Lafourche Parish is a model of excellence for educators in our state and nation.”

Louisiana Models of Excellence (MOE) was created to acknowledge schools serving as exemplary models for implementing the Department’s Believe to Achieve educational priorities. This initiative celebrates excellence in Louisiana schools, shares stories of success and provides models for others to see, and creates high-impact partnerships among school systems across the state.

LPSD is being awarded the MOE based on the Department’s priority that school systems provide the highest quality teaching and learning environment. The District has long made high quality learning materials a priority. Its commitment to high quality science instruction is one of the strategies used to maintain student growth despite disruptions from the pandemic and Hurricane Ida. Not only was Lafourche tenth overall in the state for performance on 2022 LEAP testing, but its four-point increase tied for the largest growth in Louisiana.

Named “Making the Impossible Possible,” LPSD’s approach to science includes strong instruction and engagement that’s even adaptable for emergency shifts to virtual instruction. District leaders ensure science teachers have access to the materials and training needed for the highest quality teaching and learning environment.

During the first year of the pandemic, Lafourche teacher leaders worked with the Department to develop distance learning adaptations for middle school science units. These adaptations provide science teachers with practical tips and resources for maintaining strong science instruction in virtual or hybrid settings. The resources Lafourche educators helped develop have received national recognition and are being used by teachers all across the country. 

“When we were made aware of this recognition, we were pleasantly surprised. Our school system, like many systems in our state, have gone through very challenging times over the last couple of years,” said Martin. “Lafourche was not only dealing with the impact of the pandemic, but also recovering from the devastation brought on by Hurricane Ida. This award will be uplifting for our teachers and students. We are honored with this distinction and I am proud of our schools for this achievement.”

Lafourche Parish Schools is the fifth recipient of this statewide honor. Past winners include Phillis Wheatley Community (Firstline Schools), East Feliciana Public Schools, Rapides Parish Schools, and Mansfield Elementary (DeSoto Parish Schools).

School systems may submit nominations for the 2022-23 Louisiana Models of Excellence through an online portal. To learn more about submitting nominations, please visit the awards library.