Accountability standards strengthen voucher program | 7-24-12

Some private schools that participate in Louisiana's statewide voucher program will face performance scores similar to public schools under planned accountability standards.

The scoring and penalties for low-performing schools will apply to schools with sizable numbers of voucher students, estimated to be a quarter of the schools in the upcoming school year.

State Superintendent of Education John White announced the plans Monday, and says the standards will ensure state money is being spent wisely. The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education will vote Tuesday on whether to back them.

All voucher students in third through 11th grade will take the same standardized tests as public school students.

Private schools with more than ten voucher students per grade or more than 40 voucher students in all tested grades will receive a performance schore. Low-performing schools won't be able to enroll new voucher students.