The East Baton Rouge (EBR) School Board has unveiled a new accountability system aimed at enhancing student performance across Louisiana schools, titled "Grow, Achieve, Thrive." This initiative, discussed during the EBR School Board Committee of the Whole Meeting on September 4, 2025, seeks to simplify the evaluation process for schools while ensuring that all students are making measurable progress.

The new system emphasizes three key components: growth, achievement, and readiness for the next level. Under the "Grow" category, schools will focus on student progress from one year to the next, particularly through statewide assessments. The goal is to ensure that students are not only achieving proficiency but also improving their scores over time. For instance, students who maintain or improve their performance on the LEAP assessments will contribute positively to their school's growth score.

The "Achieve" component will assess the percentage of students reaching proficiency in core subjects such as English Language Arts (ELA), math, science, and social studies. This straightforward approach allows schools to track their performance based on clear metrics.

For high schools, the "Thrive" category introduces additional complexity, accounting for 25% of the overall score. This includes graduation rates, proficiency on nationally recognized exams like the SAT and ACT, and readiness for post-secondary education or careers. Notably, the system encourages schools to support students in various pathways, including college readiness and vocational training.

The transition to this new accountability framework will occur gradually. Scores from the previous year will still be reported under the old system, while all assessments taken during the current school year will be evaluated using the new criteria. This dual reporting will help schools adjust to the new system while maintaining continuity in performance tracking.

Overall, the "Grow, Achieve, Thrive" initiative represents a significant shift in how Louisiana evaluates educational outcomes, aiming to foster a more supportive and effective learning environment for students. As the EBR School Board moves forward with this implementation, the focus will remain on ensuring that all students have the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.