TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Digital Learning Now (DLN), an initiative of the Foundation for Excellence in Education (ExcelinEd), today released the 2014 Digital Learning Report Card. The Digital Learning Report Card measures state policies on digital learning based on their alignment to the 10 Elements of High-Quality Digital Learning. New in 2014, the report card examines and highlights the progress of individual states in implementing policies. Louisiana earned a B- in 2014. The report highlights Louisiana for its commitment to faithfully implement HB 976 passed in 2012, establishing the Louisiana Course Choice program. This program targets students in schools struggling academically and those who do not have access to high-quality courses they need to successfully prepare for college and a career.
“Digital learning can open doors for students by improving the delivery, access, quality and rigor of education for today’s learners,” said Patricia Levesque, CEO of ExcelinEd. “This is exactly what our students need to succeed in the 21st century. Many of today’s lawmakers and education leaders are stepping up and creating the opportunities and infrastructure for students to explore powerful new models of learning.”
State policymakers play a critical role in accelerating the adoption of new models of learning enabled by technology. State policy can either remove barriers to innovative approaches or it can stifle them with restrictions, red tape and protecting the status quo. Implementation of the Louisiana Course Choice Program has centered on:
- providing options for students,
- establishing a process for determining providers,
- developing quality control mechanisms and resources,
- informing school staff and
- implementing a funding formula that follows student enrollment and recognizing success.
“Three years ago, we passed a law that empowered parents and students with unprecedented access to education options. I am pleased to see these efforts have made Louisiana a national leader in course access for students,” said Louisiana State Representative Steve Carter. “I am proud of the bold reform actions we put in place to prepare Louisiana students for college and career. This is a win for our students, families, communities and economy, but we have more work to do and I am committed to continuing to improve our education system for all students.”
Louisiana’s policy uniquely recognizes the key role of school counselors in course selecting, providing a hotline and information for counselor. It also places a priority on quality, accountability and awareness. The policy requires providers to participate in a rigorous application and portfolio process as well as conduct outreach to student and parents. Currently, students can select courses offered by 37 providers, including advanced placement, career-technical education and ACT preparation.
“The overall goal was to reform education top to bottom with the thought that the old way of doing business was not successful,” said Louisiana State Senator Conrad Appel, Chairman of the Senate Education Committee. “We wanted to highlight three principles across the board – accountability, higher expectations and parental choice.”
The nation’s 50 states and their education systems have the opportunity to use technology in innovative ways to drive learning. The annual Digital Learning Report Card offers a comprehensive state-by-state analysis of laws and education policies that are doing just that. In 2014, state departments of education, superintendents, teachers and parents tackled implementing and making adjustments to some of the 422 digital learning laws enacted over the last four years. This year, the Report Card amplifies state voices, clarifies metrics for next generation policies and creates a broader picture of digital learning across the nation.
In 2010 the Digital Learning Council, a diverse group of more than 100 leaders in education, government, philanthropy, business, technology and members of policy think tanks, convened to develop a roadmap to integrate technological innovations into public education. As a result, the group produced the 10 Elements of High Quality Digital Learning, a comprehensive framework of state-level policies and actions designed to advance the meaningful and thoughtful integration of technology into K-12 public education. Download the 2014 DLN Report Card to learn more about states’ progressions compared to the 10 Elements.
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About ExcelinEd
The Foundation for Excellence in Education is igniting a movement of reform, state by state, to transform education for the 21st century economy by working with lawmakers, policymakers, educators and parents to advance education reform across America. Learn more at ExcelinEd.org.
About Digital Learning Now
Digital Learning Now, an initiative of the Foundation for Excellence in Education (ExcelinEd), works to advance state policies that will create a high-quality digital learning environment to better equip all students with the knowledge and skills to succeed in the 21st century. The policy framework stems from the belief that access to high-quality, customized learning experiences should be available to all students, unbounded by geography or artificial policy constraints.