(The Center Square) – Louisiana students will soon be taught under revised English language arts standards designed to strengthen reading and writing fundamentals, state education officials say.
The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education approved the updated K-12 English language arts standards at the recommendation of State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. The revisions emphasize phonics-based instruction, grammar, cursive writing and the use of content-rich texts, according to the state Department of Education.
“These standards reflect a return to timeless academic practices,” Brumley said. “They also prioritize feedback we’ve heard from parents and teachers who want more classroom time devoted to core skills.”
The updated English language arts standards, developed by Louisiana educators through a public review process, are set to take effect in the 2027-28 school year. State education officials said school systems will receive training, guidance and instructional resources ahead of implementation.
The revised standards place a stronger focus on the “science of reading,” a body of research that emphasizes phonics and foundational literacy skills to help students become more proficient readers. The updates also reinforce grammar instruction and reintroduce an emphasis on handwriting, including cursive.
Cursive instruction had waned in many classrooms following the nationwide adoption of Common Core-aligned standards, as some proponents argued instructional time could be better spent on keyboarding and computer-based skills. Louisiana’s revisions signal a shift back toward traditional literacy practices.
Officials said the changes are intended to clarify expectations for what students should learn at each grade level while aligning classroom practices with proven teaching methods.
The English language arts standards review began in 2024 as part of the state’s regular cycle, which requires academic standards to be evaluated at least once every seven years. The process included public meetings, a comment period on draft standards and an open application for a review committee made up of educators, parents, higher education representatives and subject-matter experts.
Louisiana’s previous English language arts standards were last revised during the 2015-16 school year.
State officials also emphasized that academic standards differ from curriculum. Standards outline what students are expected to learn, while local school systems decide how to teach those standards. The state provides guidance and reviews of instructional materials to help districts select effective curricula.
