The St. Tammany Parish Public Schools Committee meeting on June 5, 2025, focused on several significant recommendations aimed at improving educational policies and practices within the district. The discussions highlighted changes in promotion criteria, assessment practices, and course requirements, reflecting a commitment to enhancing student success and adapting to new educational frameworks.

One of the primary recommendations discussed was the adjustment of promotion criteria for second graders. Currently, students must pass reading and math, along with two additional subjects. The proposal suggests that language arts be included as a required subject, alongside reading and math, with either science or social studies as an additional requirement. This change, which received 85% support from teachers and advisory committee members, aims to better align the curriculum with the integrated approach used in higher grades.

Another key recommendation involved the assessment practices for seventh and eighth graders. The committee proposed removing the requirement that interim assessments count for 10% of the final grade, allowing schools to decide how to incorporate these assessments into grading. This recommendation garnered overwhelming support, with 92% of schools and 100% of the advisory committee voting in favor.

The meeting also addressed updates to the grading scale, proposing to lower the passing score for district exams from 67% to 60%, aligning with state standards. Additionally, changes to high school promotion policies were discussed, emphasizing the need for students to meet both credit and year-in-school criteria for grade classification, which aims to prevent misclassification and ensure a clearer path to graduation.

Other notable recommendations included allowing students to earn elective credit for financial literacy through proficiency exams, simplifying grading by limiting assessments to a maximum of 10% of the final grade, and adjusting the number of required assessments per grading period to a minimum of 14. These changes are designed to streamline the educational process and reduce the burden of excessive testing on students.

The committee also introduced a new recognition program for students achieving advanced credentials in career and technical education, reflecting a commitment to acknowledging student achievements beyond traditional academic metrics.

Overall, the meeting underscored a collaborative effort among educators and community members to refine educational policies, enhance student engagement, and adapt to evolving educational standards. The recommendations will be further reviewed and are expected to be implemented in the upcoming academic year, aiming to foster a more effective learning environment for all students in St. Tammany Parish.