Louisiana schools, especially high schools, should be aware that Louisiana’s new educational accountability system, aptly named Grow.Achieve.Thrive. (GAT), will replace the current LEAP 2025 Accountability Program in the 2025-26 school year. For many schools, this will be a game changer that raises the bar and for some, could result in lower school letter grades.
For years, our schools have operated under a system that awarded high letter grades despite underwhelming test scores. Locally, both Wossman and Carroll are listed as “B” schools, but student performance in all core subjects was mostly below basic and ACT scores were “F.”
The new GAT system aims to change that by implementing a clearer, more demanding framework that will challenge our educational institutions to reach higher.
The writing has been on the wall since June 2024, when the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) approved this more rigorous accountability model. Schools that have become comfortable with their performance ratings may find themselves facing a rude awakening when GAT takes effect.
Unlike its predecessor, GAT introduces a straightforward 100-point scale focused on three core expectations: academic growth, proficiency, and post-high school readiness. It won’t be enough to walk a person across the stage at graduation, they will now have to show profienciency in English and Math, as well as job and military readiness.
High schools, in particular, face expanded expectations. No longer will graduation rates and basic test scores suffice. Under GAT, our high schools must prove they’re preparing students for life beyond graduation through college credit accumulation, industry-recognized credentials, and meaningful work-based learning experiences. These are worthy goals, but they represent a significant shift in how school performance will be evaluated.
For parents and community members, this transition offers an opportunity to engage with our schools in new ways. The simpler, more transparent nature of GAT makes it easier to understand exactly how our schools are performing and where they need support.
We must ask tough questions about improvement plans and hold our educational leaders accountable for preparing for this more demanding system.
The raising of standards is ultimately good for our children and our state’s future. Higher expectations, when coupled with appropriate support, lead to better outcomes. But make no mistake – the path forward requires significant adaptation from our educational institutions.
Since both the Ouachita and Monroe City Schools know the changes are coming, there should be major shifts in methodology in the works.
The time to prepare is now, not when GAT officially launches next year.
