Patrick Wall
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Education editor & reporter at @nolanews @theadvocatebr
| 🏳️🌈 | Formerly @Chalkbeat | DMs open | Fan mail & tips only: patrick.wall at theadvocate.com
Articles by Patrick Wall
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Some parents and educators are pushing back, saying it's time to slow the spread of AI and tech in schools in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Shreveport and beyond. Here's why.
Teachers, parents torn as AI expands in Louisiana schools: ‘What are these digital tools?’ Original
When Catherine Bixler’s daughter entered kindergarten in St. Tammany Parish Public Schools last year, she began using a Chromebook during class to practice reading. Before long she was begging to log into the online reading program at home. She wanted to keep “leveling up” as she answered questions correctly. Bixler wouldn’t allow it. “You’re giving them these dopamine hits,” she said. “But where do these games really get you?” Louisiana schools have sped headlong into digital learning.
Louisiana improves Advanced Placement scores, but many students can’t access AP courses Original
More Louisiana high school students are earning high marks on Advanced Placement exams, according to newly released data. However, they remain far less likely than their peers nationally to have access to the college-level courses. Nearly 70% of the AP exams that Louisiana students took this year received a score of three or higher on a five-point scale, qualifying students for credits at many colleges and universities.
Louisiana officials will scrutinize spending in two school districts: ‘Changes must be made’ Original
Louisiana’s education chief will hire consultants to probe the finances of two school districts that failed to spend a mandated proportion of their budgets on teachers, books and other instruction expenses. It will mark the first time the state has used its legal authority to enforce the state spending rule.
These two groups want to revamp Louisiana school funding. Neither can do it alone. Original
Dueling efforts are underway to reimagine how Louisiana funds public schools. One is a “top-to-bottom review” of the system Louisiana uses to distribute more than $4 billion in state money to schools each year. Established by Gov. Jeff Landry and legislative leaders, the task force conducting the review must propose a “revised or replacement” school-funding formula by January — giving it five months to overhaul a system that has been in place over 30 years.
Louisiana’s absenteeism rate is improving, but 1 in 5 students still regularly miss school Original
More than 1 in 5 Louisiana students struggled with attendance last school year, according to new state data, which shows that absenteeism is easing — but not as quickly as officials would like. Just under 22% of public school students were counted as chronically absent during the 2025-26 academic year, the data show. The rate was about 1 percentage point lower than the previous year, marking the second straight year of reduced absenteeism.
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More than 7,700 eligible children were on Louisiana's childcare assistance waitlist this March, a 70% increase from the prior year. Some families have been on the list for years.
Thousands of eligible Louisiana parents face long waits for childcare assistance
Dynasty Bartholomew is determined to give her kids a better life. She started training this year to become a medical assistant, making the program’s honor roll while raising her three sons in Alexandria. While at school, she puts her 2-year-old in childcare — a necessity that, at $720 a month, consumes most of her fixed income. She’s had to seek help from relatives and local nonprofits to pay her other bills. Dynasty Bartholomew and her youngest son.
Ten Commandments now up in Louisiana classrooms as school year begins. Students, educators react. Original
Swept up in the back-to-school bustle, Sadeel Abed didn’t notice the glossy new posters until a student in her art class pointed one out. It featured a photo of a monument bearing the Ten Commandments in Gothic script. Earlier this year, a federal appeals court cleared a Louisiana law requiring public schools and colleges to post the Biblical text in every classroom.
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State task force begins high-stakes review of Louisiana’s school-funding formula Original
A high-stakes review of Louisiana’s system for allocating billions of dollars to public schools each year kicked off Thursday, launching a process that in just a few months could produce a plan to overhaul the decades-old funding system. The “top-to-bottom review” of the state’s school-funding system is being conducted by a 15-member task force, which held its first meeting Thursday at the state Capitol in Baton Rouge.
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Since 2020, nearly 100 Louisiana public schools have shut down, largely due to declining enrollment. But this small town isn't taking it lightly. "We're trying to get the school board's attention," one parent said, "and let them know we're not going to just lie down."
Louisiana districts are closing schools as enrollment falls. This town is fighting back.
Joseph Ashcraft was crouched behind home plate catching fastballs when he heard that his kids' school might close. Two moms were chatting behind Ashcraft, who coaches the Krotz Springs Swamp Sisters, while the pitcher warmed up. One said she’d heard the St. Landry Parish School Board was considering shutting down Krotz Springs Elementary, the sole public school in this small town about 40 miles west of Baton Rouge. As the softball slammed into his mitt, Ashcraft turned around.
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Louisiana Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley urged schools to "stand firm" against student misbehavior and maintain "orderly" classrooms.
Louisiana education chief urges schools to ‘stand firm’ against student misbehavior, bullying Original
Louisiana educators must “stand firm” against student misbehavior this school year, enforcing the rules so that classrooms remain “peaceful and orderly,” state Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley said Monday. In a letter to school system leaders, Brumley urged principals and teachers to “set clear behavioral expectations and enforce consequences,” adding that “unruly classrooms and ungovernable students” make it harder for all students to learn.
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Beginning in August, a 15-member task force will conduct a "top-to-bottom review" of Louisiana's school-funding system. They have just a few months to overhaul the decades-old system.
This small group has a big task: revamp Louisiana’s $4B school funding system
Beginning next month, 15 people could decide the future of school funding in Louisiana. Lawmakers established the school-funding task force with a unanimous vote on the last day of the legislative session in June. It was pitched as a way to increase pay for teachers, who once again this year received one-time stipends instead of permanent raises. But the committee, which is scheduled to begin meeting Aug. 13, has a far more sweeping mission than simply to find more money for teachers.
This small group has a big task: revamp Louisiana’s $4B school funding system
Beginning next month, 15 people could decide the future of school funding in Louisiana. Lawmakers established the school-funding task force with a unanimous vote on the last day of the legislative session in June. It was pitched as a way to increase pay for teachers, who once again this year received one-time stipends instead of permanent raises. But the committee, which is scheduled to begin meeting Aug. 13, has a far more sweeping mission than simply to find more money for teachers.
‘No good options’: Louisiana school systems search for savings to offset funding cut Original
As Louisiana school systems plan for the coming school year, some are expecting to cancel raises and hold off on hiring to make up for a state funding cut. School districts are slated to receive state payments by July 25 that will be smaller than what they previously budgeted for. The reduction is due to a decision by Gov. Jeff Landry and state lawmakers to pay for teacher stipends by sending less money to schools rather than pulling from the state budget, as they had in the past.
These Louisiana teens wanted to make schools safer, so they helped pass a state law Original
Beija Lopes-Morgan excelled in high school, but occasionally her mind wandered during class. How hard would it be, she wondered, for a stranger to enter the building? During a meeting of fellow student leaders from across Louisiana, she asked if anyone else had ever felt unsafe at school. “Every single person raised their hand,” said Lopes-Morgan, who graduated from Mandeville High School this spring.
See the top-performing Acadiana public schools based on 2026 LEAP test scores
The scores are in — and the numbers look good at these public schools in Acadiana. The annual LEAP tests, which students took this spring, measure students’ grasp of content the state expects them to learn by the end of each grade. The scores weigh heavily in school ratings, teacher evaluations and high school graduation requirements. Across all tested grades and subjects, 36% of Louisiana students met or exceeded state expectations, 2 percentage points higher than in 2025.
See the top-performing Baton Rouge area public schools based on 2026 LEAP test scores
The scores are in — and the numbers look good at these public schools in the Baton Rouge area. The annual LEAP tests, which students took this spring, measure students’ grasp of content the state expects them to learn by the end of each grade. The scores weigh heavily in school ratings, teacher evaluations and high school graduation requirements. Across all tested grades and subjects, 36% of Louisiana students met or exceeded state expectations, 2 percentage points higher than in 2025.
See top public schools in Jefferson, St. Tammany area based on 2026 LEAP test scores
The scores are in — and the numbers look good at these public schools. The annual LEAP tests, which students took this spring, measure students’ grasp of content the state expects them to learn by the end of each grade. The scores weigh heavily in school ratings, teacher evaluations and high school graduation requirements. Across all tested grades and subjects, 36% of Louisiana students met or exceeded state expectations, 2 percentage points higher than in 2025.
These are the top-performing New Orleans public schools on the 2026 LEAP tests
The scores are in — and the numbers look good at these New Orleans schools. The annual LEAP tests, which students took this spring, measure students’ grasp of content the state expects them to learn by the end of each grade. The scores weigh heavily in school ratings, teacher evaluations and high school graduation requirements. Across all tested grades and subjects, 36% of Louisiana students met or exceeded state expectations, 2 percentage points higher than in 2025.
New Orleans students made big gains on 2026 LEAP tests. These charts show the growth.
New Orleans students vaulted past their peers on this year’s LEAP tests, making the city school system one of the most improved in Louisiana and the state’s top-growing large district. Across all tested subjects and grades, New Orleans public school students grew 3 percentage points, according to results from the spring tests released Monday.
2026 LEAP scores are in. How did your Louisiana school do? Search here. Original
The latest LEAP scores are here. The annual tests measure Louisiana students’ understanding of the content the state expects them to learn each year. Students in grades 3-8 take English language arts (ELA), math, science and social studies tests, while high schoolers are assessed in English I, English II, algebra I, geometry, biology, U.S. history and civics. To be considered ready for the next grade, students must reach "mastery" or "advanced" on the tests — the highest of five score levels.
2026 LEAP scores are in. How did your Louisiana school do? Search here.
The latest LEAP scores are here. The annual tests measure Louisiana students’ understanding of the content the state expects them to learn each year. Students in grades 3-8 take English language arts (ELA), math, science and social studies tests, while high schoolers are assessed in English I, English II, algebra I, geometry, biology, U.S. history and civics. See more analysis: Statewide | Baton Rouge area | Lafayette area
Louisiana students improve on 2026 LEAP tests, but English scores are flat
Louisiana students made gains or held steady on most state LEAP tests this year, a sign that Louisiana has sustained its nation-leading recovery from pandemic learning loss. Students in grades 3-8 grew in math, science and social studies, while achievement was flat in English, according to LEAP results released Monday. High schoolers improved or held their ground in every subject except English I, where the share of students hitting the state target dipped slightly.
Advocates drop lawsuit challenging Gov. Landry’s school budget cut, teacher stipend plan Original
Education advocates have dropped their legal challenge to Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry’s order to pull money from public school budgets to pay for teacher stipends. The order, which takes effect Wednesday, cuts $168 million from the state’s main education fund and uses the money to give $2,000 stipends to teachers and $1,000 to school support staff. The advocates were scheduled to appear in court Wednesday to ask a Baton Rouge judge to block the funding cut, which state lawmakers approved last week.
Judge lifts order blocking Gov. Landry’s school funding cut, teacher stipend plan
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Judge lifts order blocking Gov. Landry’s school funding cut, teacher stipend plan
Gov. Jeff Landry’s plan to cut public school budgets to pay for teacher stipends can proceed after a judge on Monday lifted an order blocking the plan, which is set to take effect July 1. Judge Richard “Chip” Moore of the 19th Judicial District Court in Baton Rouge also granted a motion by the state to disqualify Baker Donelson, the law firm representing education advocates who sued to stop the funding cut.
Louisiana lawmakers approve Jeff Landry plan to cut school budgets to fund teacher stipends Original
Louisiana lawmakers approved Gov. Jeff Landry’s plan to cut nearly $170 million from school budgets to pay for teacher stipends, according to vote tallies released Wednesday, though a court has temporarily blocked the plan from taking effect. More than two-thirds of members in both chambers of the Legislature voted in favor of the roughly 5% reduction in state education spending, which requires legislative approval.
Court order spurs doubts on Louisiana lawmakers' vote on Landry teacher stipend, budget cut plan Original
A court order temporarily blocking Gov. Jeff Landry’s plan to cut public school funding has raised questions about a legislative vote on the plan, even as lawmakers face a Tuesday evening deadline to cast their ballots. The temporary restraining order granted last week by a Baton Rouge judge prevents Landry from enacting his executive order, which calls for a $168 million reduction in state education funding to cover the cost of teacher pay stipends.
Louisiana teachers union opposes Gov. Landry plan to cut school budgets to pay for stipends Original
Louisiana educators overwhelmingly want to receive pay stipends, but they oppose Gov. Jeff Landry’s plan to bankroll the pay boost by cutting public school funding, according to the results of a statewide teachers union survey released Monday. Nearly 70% of survey respondents said they support giving teachers and certain school support staff one-time stipends again this year, according to the Louisiana Federation of Teachers, the state’s largest teachers union.
Louisiana education advocates file lawsuit to block Landry’s budget cut, teacher stipend plan
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Louisiana school boards consider suing over Landry’s funding cut, teacher stipend plan Original
Across Louisiana, school boards have been taking public stands against Gov. Jeff Landry’s proposed education funding cut, saying it’s the wrong way to boost teacher pay. Behind closed doors, some board members have debated going much further and joining a lawsuit to block the governor’s executive order, according to several board members and district officials.
Judge blocks Gov. Jeff Landry’s plan to cut school budgets to fund teacher stipends Original
A Louisiana judge halted Gov. Jeff Landry’s plan to pay for teacher stipends by cutting public school funding by nearly $170 million after advocates filed a lawsuit Thursday arguing that Landry lacks the legal authority to order the cut.
Louisiana education advocates file lawsuit to block Landry’s budget cut, teacher stipend plan
Public school advocates filed a lawsuit Thursday seeking to block Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry’s plan to pay for teacher stipends by cutting education funding by nearly $170 million. The request for a temporary restraining order was filed in the 19th Judicial District Court in Baton Rouge. It argues that Landry overstepped his constitutional authority by effectively reallocating education funds, which the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education controls under Louisiana’s constitution.
Legislative auditor: Most Louisiana school districts can afford to pay for teacher stipends Original
School superintendents might not like Gov. Jeff Landry’s plan to cut their budgets to pay for teacher stipends — but most school districts can afford it. That was the message from the state auditor and some lawmakers during a meeting Tuesday focused on Landry’s recent executive order calling for the state to reduce public school funding by nearly $170 million for the coming school year to cover the cost of $2,000 pay bumps for teachers and $1,000 for school support staff.
See how much Gov. Jeff Landry’s teacher stipend plan would cost each school system Original
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry has pitched a plan to pay for teacher stipends with money that would otherwise go to public school systems. Under Landry’s proposal, which the state Legislature must approve, state funding for schools would be reduced by about 5% statewide. The state would use that $168 million to give $2,000 stipends to teachers and $1,000 to school support staff, who have received the bonuses instead of raises for the past three years.
Louisiana school superintendents warn about proposed education cut: ‘We can’t do this’ Original
In public statements and private conversations with lawmakers, Louisiana’s school superintendents are sounding the alarm about Gov. Jeff Landry’s proposal to pay for teacher bonuses by cutting public school funding. In recent days, school district leaders have publicly raised concerns at school board meetings and on social media about the nearly $170 million proposed reduction in state funding, warning that it could jeopardize school programs and staff positions.
Reframing halal for global consumers
Saudi Arabia is seeking to reposition halal from a label focused on religious permissibility to a broader trust mark that explicitly encompasses food safety, quality and nutrition. This matters because halal markets are expanding globally and because, in many non-Muslim settings, ‘halal’ is still reduced in public discourse to slaughter practices rather than understood as a holistic system of standards.
As enrollment declines and staff grows, Louisiana public schools may soon face a reckoning
Joey Richard likes to say that he conducts research from behind his barber chair. It’s where Richard, the owner of Holliwood Cutz barber shop in Opelousas, deduced that the local school system is shrinking.
As enrollment declines and staff grows, Louisiana public schools may soon face a reckoning
Joey Richard likes to say that he conducts research from behind his barber chair. It’s where Richard, the owner of Holliwood Cutz barber shop in Opelousas, deduced that the local school system is shrinking.
Gov. Jeff Landry proposes pulling $168 million from public school fund to pay teachers
Louisiana will give teachers a $2,000 pay bump by pulling nearly $170 million from the pot of money used to fund the state’s public schools, Gov. Jeff Landry said Tuesday. The move comes after the Legislature passed a state budget last week that did not include money for the one-time stipends, which the state has given teachers the past three years in lieu of permanent raises.
Gov. Jeff Landry says Louisiana will give teachers a pay bump — but it’s not clear how Original
Louisiana will give public school teachers a one-time pay bump this year, Gov. Jeff Landry said Tuesday, though he declined to explain how the state will pay for stipends that top lawmakers previously said the state could not afford. The state Legislature advanced a budget plan last week that does not include funding for the $2,000 stipends, which cost the state about $200 million this fiscal year.
Louisiana teachers likely to lose $2,000 stipends: ‘We’re working our butts off’
Louisiana’s public school teachers, who are among the lowest-paid in the country, are likely to take home $2,000 less next school year after state lawmakers advanced a budget Thursday that leaves out educator stipends. The state Legislature has given one-time pay boosts to teachers the past few years instead of permanent raises. After voters rejected a ballot measure Saturday that would have financed teacher raises, educators urged lawmakers this week to add stipends to the state budget.
U.S. Education Secretary gives Louisiana new spending flexibility. Critics say it removes guardrails.
U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon gave Louisiana a waiver Wednesday that grants the state more control over how it spends a small portion of its federal education dollars. Louisiana will be allowed to combine the state portion of four federal funding streams, giving it greater flexibility in how it spends about $4.5 million annually, officials said.
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