23 Mar Quarterly Newsletter – March 2026

Louisiana Kids Matter is excited to continue our work advocating for students to ensure they all have access to an equitable and high quality education. To keep you better informed on our efforts, today we’re launching the first issue of the Kids Matter Quarterly, where we’ll provide you updates on policies being considered, the impact that new laws are having on our students and additional insights about where we go from here.

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What’s Happening in Louisiana Education?

According to the most recent NAEP and Education Recovery Scorecard results, recently passed education policies, coupled with strong implementation, have produced measurable gains.  Louisiana reached its highest-ever ranking according to the Nation’s Report Card, rising from 50th to 16th in 4th grade reading, and is also the only state to exceed its pre-pandemic fourth grade reading scores.  In addition, The Education Recovery Scorecard ranked Louisiana first in reading recovery and second in math. 

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Louisiana Kids Matter’s 2026 Legislative Priorities

• Secure $10M for charter facilities funding
• Expand high dosage tutoring to grades 6-8 and secure a $45M appropriation in the state budget
• Expand Louisiana’s early literacy framework into a comprehensive K–8 system grounded in the science of reading, data-driven instruction, strong educator preparation and evidence-based interventions.
• Establish a coherent statewide framework for organizing and articulating K-12 CTE programs along with data reporting requirements to evaluate their effectiveness
• Reform the Industry-Based Certification (IBC) State Focus List by identifying and promoting credentials that lead to high wage, high demand jobs, and removing low value credentials
• Require career pathways coaches for high school counselors
• Require individual graduation plans for all students that include high-demand, high-wage job opportunities from WIC statewide focus list.

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Our 2026 Policy Goals

Goal 1: Expand Literacy Framework

• Expand LA K-3 literacy framework into a comprehensive K-8 system
• Ensure the literacy framework is grounded in the science of reading, data-driven instruction, and evidence-based interventions for students.
• Ensure all 4-8 literacy teachers are trained in the science of reading

Goal 2: Expand high dosage tutoring

• Ensure all students in grades K-8, scoring below mastery in reading and math receive high dosage tutoring
• Secure $45 million in funding for tutoring in the upcoming school year
• Ensure student level data is captured and reported to ensure the use of high quality vendors

Goal 3: Create, staff, & execute a regional career coaching program

• Provide career coaching beginning in middle school to align courses to future employment
• Ensure students in middle and high school have Individual Graduation Plans to guide coursework towards a career
• Ensure students receive consistent guidance in collaboration with parents on possible career pathways
• Ensure students are provided course work that results in certifications, skills, or post-graduation requirements upon graduation to further job opportunities in Louisiana
• Ensure families are informed about high-demand, high-wage career and employment opportunities in Louisiana throughout middle and high school

Goal 4: Protect the state’s accountability system

• Continue work to strengthen performance metrics that measure individual students’ readiness and growth
• Ensure assessments measure mastery of fundamental skills and scores reflect proficiency 
• Enhance grade level transparency to the public using student and school performance data 

Goal 5: Secure funding for school choice

• Secure $10M for charter facilities funding
• Secure  funding for the GATOR Scholarship Program

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Spotlight

Julie Talbot
 Deputy Director of Political Development

We’re thrilled to welcome Julie Talbot as our Deputy Director of Political Development!

Julie brings deep experience in governmental relations and Louisiana politics, along with a strong background in candidate recruitment and building donor bases. She understands how to cultivate relationships, strengthen networks, and grow political infrastructure to drive meaningful impact.

Prior to joining our team, Julie worked at Aspiring Scholars, a Student Tuition Organization, where she played a key role in expanding the program from just 20 students receiving scholarships to more than 550 students. Her leadership helped significantly broaden access and opportunity for families.

Julie is a strong believer in educational choice for all students and is passionate about expanding opportunities that empower families and communities. We’re so excited to have her on board and can’t wait to see the impact she’ll make!

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Looking Ahead

Together, we can build an education system that truly works for every Louisiana child. Thank you for standing up for students, families, and educators across our state.

We look forward to working with you in the months ahead.

Warm Regards,

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