Louisiana Education Growth Drives Focus at 2026 Teacher Leaders Summit

Louisiana education leaders say student growth and literacy remain top priorities as the 2026 Teacher Leaders Summit brings educators together under the theme “Big Ideas Start Here.” Vice President of the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Kevin Berken highlighted progress tied to Louisiana’s updated accountability system, which focuses on individual student growth instead of only overall performance. Berken said schools are using student tracking tools and targeted support to help struggling students improve. High-dosage tutoring, science-based reading instruction and stronger math fundamentals continue driving statewide efforts. Louisiana leaders pointed to recent education gains, including national recognition for reading and math improvement. Berken said Louisiana ranked first nationally in reading growth and second in math progress since 2022 according to studies highlighted during the discussion. The summit is also tackling future challenges like artificial intelligence in education, truancy and chronic absenteeism. Leaders say keeping students in classrooms and supporting teachers remain critical to maintaining progress statewide. Nearly 7,500 educators attended this year’s event.