Smart & Just Policies

K-12 Public School Funding

A high-quality education system endows all students with the ability to uncover their gifts, sharpen their skills, and bestow their talents upon this country.

A high-quality education system provides the supports and resources required to meet varying student needs (e.g., English language learners, students with disabilities, and students from poverty), but none of
this is possible without sufficient and equitable funding.

The LAE believes these school funding indicators are the key to Louisiana's economic vitality and sustainable growth. School funding should be:

1. Sufficient—Funding should be sufficient for students to meet state-established academic
   requirements and to obtain skills enabling them to meet the demands of a rapidly changing,
   competitive global economy.
2. Equitable—Funds should be distributed according to needs-based criteria; this includes significant
   investment in our most at-risk schools.
3. Productive—Funding should be transparent and monitored sufficiently to ensure that funds are meeting students’ needs.
4. Sustainable—Tax structures should be broad-based, equitably shared, and progressive enough to generate the necessary funding in both good and bad economic times.

The association continues to focus legislative efforts surrounding the adequate funding of Louisiana's public schools. Be sure to visit our Legislative Action Center for current actions being initiated by the association to voice concerns surrounding proposals that impact adequate school funding.

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

Before we passed ESSA, our schools with the greatest needs couldn’t access the funding they deserved. They were punished by standardized tests results used to measure entire school systems. But we know that student success is more than a score. That’s why we fought for a law that would ensure states look at meaningful measures of school success.

Thanks to ESSA, now is the time to raise your voice to help build opportunities for all students! What does your school need to create those opportunities? Who can help meet those needs? How can your school community work towards those goals? How do you measure excellence in your school community?

We’ve created simple but effective tools to help you understand the law, determine your school community’s biggest needs, take action to meet those needs and find funding to implement your plans. Let’s make sure zip codes don’t determine the quality of education. Let’s raise our voices together to bring opportunity to every student.

Excessive Student Testing

Educators should have the freedom to engage students in meaningful educational experiences that promote critical thinking and innovative learning. Teachers should be able to focus on educating the whole child, instead of teaching to the test.

The association advocates for less standardized testing to diminish “teaching to the test” and allow educators to focus on what is most important: instilling a love of learning in their students.

Words of Encouragement

Words of encouragement to our brothers and sisters in Arizona…

I fully support your efforts in Arizona in demanding increases in funding for education, fair pay, and respect for the work you do every day for your students. -Roy LaFleur

We, in Louisiana, support your efforts to increase education funding, better treatment on the job, and fair pay. Keep up the fight, don't let them get you down, and remember, we are with you. -Roslynn Siebold

Dear fellow educators, I am motivated by your courage and strength to stand united for issues you believe in. I hope your stand sparks a fire under educators across the world to speak out on issues that are potentially detrimental to the educational process and all stakeholders, especially our students. Arizona educators, I stand firm with you all! God bless! -Carrie Coleman

You are in our thoughts and prayers. Stand together, stay strong, be fearless, for we are with you. You are important to the youth of your community. You make a difference. You are valuable. Never quit! Much love... -Demetria Dinvaut

I care about your fight and encourage you to stay strong and don't give in!! You got this!!! -Leilani Adams

Thank you for taking a stand! -Althea King

Yes, I am with you all the way. You deserve fair pay and better treatment on your job. -Virginia Redmon

Stand strong, educators! Louisiana teachers support you! -Caroline Croad

We are with ya'll! God Speed!! -Amy Pastor

Louisiana is supporting you. Keep fighting the good fight!! -Suzanne Breaux

May your efforts never be in vain and stay strong! -L Rachelle Dehrab

So proud of you, Arizona educators, for starting what will become a nationwide movement. You've been through a lot already with education reform in Arizona. Stay strong for the students! -Vicky Johnston

Fight the good fight! -Darryl Gates

Thank you for your dedication not just to our profession but to our students.  May God continue to strengthen you to continue to push and fight for what is right. -Shanette Armstrong

GO ARIZONA!!!!!! -Mary Mouton