State superintendent discusses reforms with education leaders - KNOE 8 News; KNOE-TV; KNOE.com |

By Victoria Shirley

MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - After education reform bills were signed into law, state superintendent John White launched a statewide teacher outreach.

Sitting down with Northeast Louisiana education leaders, state superintendent John White broke down his reform plan. It's a plan that removes many state regulations and gives more power to individual districts.

There are 115 failing schools across the state and this plan with it's greater flexibility is meant to try and turn those schools around. "You know we're not going to see success, if we tell everyone where to send their kids to school. If we tell teachers exactly what to teach, if we tell superintendents who they can hire and who they can't hire." said state superintendent John White.

White's events in Northeast Louisiana, wrap up his 16 city tour. The education leader says he's looking for feedback to refine the plan that's still in draft format. "I think people want their voices heard, there are 50 thousand teachers in this state and there are 50 thousand opinions on what's right. In the end, people are focused on student achievement."said White.

In attendance Jackson parish was superintendent Wayne Alford seeking to learn more about upcoming changes. "I've read some things, I want to make sure that everything I've heard and seen, I want to hear for myself from Mr. John White." said Alford.

With 1 out of 3 students not grade level proficient and only 70% of high school students graduating on time, White says it's time to set higher expectations. "We have to be about empowering those that are closest to the kids."

The plan is expected to be final by mid June. After the Monroe meeting, White held a teacher town hall in East Carroll Parish.