Our mission is to expand graduation criteria for English Learners in Louisiana.
We recognize that the disparity in graduation rates for English Learners (41% of ELs vs 80% total) is unacceptable and reflective of an uneven landscape, and not of our English Learners' capabilities.
While we acknowledge that a high school diploma is not the sole goal of K-12 education, it is an indication of post-secondary and workforce readiness - a stamp of approval that more English Learners are deserving of.
In order to increase the graduation rates of ELs in Louisiana, we must address the key systemic barriers that our English Learners face.
We recommend expanding graduation eligibility criteria for ELs who are first identified in or after their 7th grade year. Louisiana gives students 7 years to become proficient in English if they entered between 6th and 12 grades. Students who enter the country 7th grade or later do not have 7 years to become English proficient before graduation.
Schools' SPS scores do not factor in achievement until a student’s 3rd year in the country. Recently arrived students, however, can be denied diplomas based on their LEAP 2025 scores within their first three years.
The proposal is this:
Students would still sit for the LEAP 2025, pass all courses, and meet seat time requirements.
In order to graduate, EXCELL-eligible students would need to be on expected ELPT trajectory and complete a standards-aligned portfolio for LEAP 2025 courses.
This protection for older newcomers would also incentivize schools to provide more resource time for English language acquisition, allowing for ELPT growth and hence, increased LEAP 2025 scores - a result that is beneficial for both schools and students.
Our vision is to close the graduation gap differential by 25% within three years of expanded criteria implementation.
Not only will this open more doors for our English Learners in their post-secondary pursuits it will have immeasurable yield in their individual, family, and community outcomes.
English learners have fought the odds to receive diplomas in our state, and it is now incumbent on us to fight for them.
