To ensure a Strong Start to the 2020-2021 school year, the Department is focused on helping school systems address unfinished learning from the 2019-2020 school year, set the foundation for continuous learning in 2020-2021 and prepare for potential modified operations in the future.

A Strong Start for every student means:

• There is a plan for every student, including extra time and support for students with the greatest unfinished learning from the prior year.

• There is a plan for students to hear from teachers every day and for students to receive feedback and engagement on their work every week.

• There are clear next steps for every high school student and recent graduate, who will enter a new economy.

In light of the Governor’s Roadmap to Restarting Louisiana, the Department has issued guidance pertaining to opening public and nonpublic school facilities to serve students in the 2020-2021 school year. This guidance is relative to operating schools in Phases 1, 2 and 3 of reopening. Since Louisiana’s school facilities first closed in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, school systems and the Department have worked to ensure the safety of students and staff was of utmost priority.

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) adopted minimum health and safety standards for reopening schools.

The Louisiana Department of Education is compiling links to system and school reopening plans. The Department, as well as Louisiana systems and schools, are in communication with medical experts. Reopening plans are subject to change. Please check with your system or school to ensure you have the most updated information for 2020-2021.

 

Core Academics

 

Students with Diverse Needs

 

Workforce Talent

 

School Systems

 

Health, Safety, and Operations

 

Sustaining and Expanding Early Childhood Access

 

Classroom Quality and Continuous Learning

 

Family Engagement and Support