Each member of the ADP Network has committed to a common policy agenda, but there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Highlights of this state's action plan are below. Click here to download a PDF of the complete plan.

Policies and Action Steps

1. Align high school standards and assessments with the knowledge and skills required for success after high school. (August 2005–January 2007)
   • Launch process with the K–12, postsecondary and business communities to define the knowledge and skills students need to succeed in credit-bearing courses in Louisiana colleges and universities and in high-growth industries.
   • Revise high school standards as necessary to align with college- and work-ready benchmarks.
   • Use the American Diploma Project benchmarks and other national models as starting points for this work.
   • Solicit public input on academic standards drafts.
   • Commission external review of standards by Achieve.
   • Have postsecondary and business communities validate that if students meet the state's academic standards, they will be ready for success in college and careers.
   • Bring final standards to the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Educaiton (BESE) and Louisiana Board of Regents for adoption.
2. Require all high school graduates to take challenging courses that actually prepare them for life after high school. (August 2005–January 2007)
   • Recommend required core college- and work-ready curriculum (courses/credits and clearly articulated academic standards for courses).
   • Solicit input and support from policymakers, stakeholders and the general public.
   • Identify state policies and programs needed to support implementation of the new requirements, including professional development and curriculum resources.
   • Make Louisiana's core college- and work-ready curriculum (or documented equivalent) the minimum academic requirement for admission to Louisiana's colleges and universities.
   • Communicate policy changes widely and consistently.
3. Streamline the assessment system so that the tests students take in high school also can serve as readiness tests for college and work. (August 2005–August 2008)
   • Determine the assessments to be given at the state level, including the type of test (end-of-course, end-of-grade or cumulative survey test) and the subjects to be tested.
   • Ensure alignment with Louisiana academic standards for college and work.
   • Identify changes necessary to streamline student assessments across K-12 and postsecondary systems. Review current college admissions and placement processes. Develop plan for using new high school exams for college placement purposes where possible.
   • Determine additional ways to make high school assessments matter for students. Consider including scores on new assessments on high school transcripts and encouraging employers to use transcripts in hiring decisions. Also consider feasibility of phasing in new college- and work-ready assessments as part of high school graduation requirements.
4. Hold high schools accountable for graduating students who are ready for college or careers, and hold postsecondary institutions accountable for students' success once enrolled. (August 2005–August 2008)
   • Include results of high school assessments in current school accountability system.
   • Establish longitudinal data system to track student progress from elementary through middle and high school and into postsecondary. Share college persistence and success data with high schools to inform instructional practice and curriculum alignment.
   • Identify college success strategies needed to improve the experiences students have after they arrive at college. Identify changes in state and institutional policy and practice that will be necessary to support positive student outcomes.
   • Identify performance indicators and publish high school and college report cards to highlight progress and challenges.
   • Communicate policy changes widely and consistently.

ADP Network Team
The Louisiana High School Redesign Commission will serve as the ADP Action Team.