LFT has conducted a comprehensive survey to evaluate the concerns of educators and community members with regards to schools reopening later this summer. LFT received responses from nearly 15,000 teachers, support staff, parents, students and concerned community members regarding the reopening of schools. The survey was conducted electronically between June 30-July 10, 2020 and distributed widely through various online platforms.
Until a vaccine is developed for COVID-19, each community is going to need support in charting a path to safely and responsibly reopen school buildings and other institutions crucial to the well-being and economic vitality of our communities.
The AFT’s detailed, science-based “Plan to Safely Reopen America’s Schools and Communities” features five core pillars based on the science as well as educator and healthcare expertise—not on politics or wishful thinking.
"Even more tragically, many people are impacted by both the WEP and the GPO. This can be incredibly devastating for many teachers and support staff who rely on the income of a spouse. Your social security benefits will be reduced if your spouse passes before you. Too many retired teachers have had to say goodbye to their spouses and in the midst of that trauma find out that they’re also losing a huge portion of their household income."
Governor Edwards has been working alongside teachers and support staff for the betterment of schools and students since his early days as a member of the House of Representatives.
In 2012 Edwards fought Jindal's efforts to eliminate teacher tenure across the state.
In 2013 Edwards worked with LFT to oppose Jindal's voucher expansion programs and protect our retirement.
BESE Report
December, 2017
Public education funding likely to be frozen again
State Superintendent of Education John White announced to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education that a funding increase for public education’s Minimum Foundation Program is unlikely in the coming year.
After hearing from teachers, principals, superintendents and local school boards, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education approved modest changes to the state’s Every Student Succeeds Act plan. The changes aim to ease the “sticker shock” expected to lower school letter grades when tougher standards are imposed.
LFT President Larry Carter urged the board to adopt a four-point plan proposed by school superintendents, instead of the harsh BESE plan that would see many schools drop at least one letter grade.
Abbreviated BESE meetings sidestep ESSA issue
Faster than a speeding bullet, the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education sailed through its slate of meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday in record time. Committee hearings that generally last until the sun goes down (or later) were gaveled to a close with hours to spare, leaving onlookers puzzled more about what did not happen than what did.
Louisiana Federation of Teachers
BESE Report
March, 2017
Even as the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education approved a $3.4 billion funding formula for the state’s public schools in the coming year, Superintendent of Education John White cautioned that the plan will probably not win legislative approval.