Frequently Asked Questions

Business Leaders

• A student’s educational experience through elementary and middle school impacts their ability to achieve in high school. Why are high schools the focus of this initiative?

A student’s experience in preschool through eighth grade is the essential foundation for high school. Students must come to ninth grade ready for high school material or they will face significant challenges in meeting graduation expectations. Louisiana has seen significant gains in early childhood and elementary education in the last few years. Our high schools, on the other hand, have remained relatively unchanged.

• How can we help students to understand the importance of working hard in high school?

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) have taken the lead in educating business leaders around the state about how they can help our students prepare for the global marketplace. In the coming months and years, business partners will be sought out for roles as mentors and to provide students with job shadowing and internship opportunities. The greatest things our business community can provide are an example for students to emulate and opportunities for them to utilize.

• Will making high school more difficult increase the dropout rate?

Research cited by Achieve, Inc. and the Education Trust has shown that higher standards do not result in lower graduation rates. In fact, graduation rates have actually improved in many districts where more rigorous graduation requirements have been implemented. Chicago, for example, raised its graduation requirements in 1997; asking all students to complete all courses necessary for entry to competitive state universities in Illinois. Over the next few years, the district’s graduation rates actually improved. Similar outcomes were also found by Achieve in Virginia, Texas, Indiana, and San Jose, California. The keys to success in this effort will be to phase in recommended changes and additional assistance be given to districts, schools, teachers, and students in this work.

• Why do all students need to take Algebra?

Math is an essential skill for postsecondary education and the workplace.  Completing more advanced math classes is the strongest predicator of bachelor’s degree attainment, and Algebra I is the key to success in higher math.