BESE’s Roemer not satisfied with latest high ranking

Louisiana has received high praise from yet another education group, but BESE President Chas Roemer isn’t beating his chest. In rankings released today, the Center for Education Reform places Louisiana at No. 6 nationally for parents having access to make educational decisions. The Washington, D.C.-based organization promotes choice and accountability. “I would grade ourselves much lower,” Roemer says. “We still don’t have enough choice. It’s unacceptable for a parent or child to feel like they’re stuck in a failing school.” Despite options for students in Louisiana to go to other public schools with higher rankings or receive vouchers to attend private schools—which aren’t ranked—many parents keep their children within the traditional public school model. “I think we do a very poor job of letting families know what they should expect and what are [their] options,” Roemer says. “It’s a huge challenge; the kids that need the help the most in many instances are getting the least amount of encouragement to change.” Roemer says he applauds the number of high-quality teachers and public schools in the state, adding: “There’s a lot of good people in that system, but that system has not met the needs of our kids.” Despite hurdles with some parents, Louisiana Department of Education press secretary Barry Landy says in an email the state’s plan allows all students to succeed. “Parents and educators, not bureaucrats, should be empowered to make decisions,” Landry says. Today’s ranking comes on the heels of recent high marks for Louisiana schools and policies from Education Week and StudentsFirst. —Matt Randolph