NPR Highlights Growth in Louisiana Reading Scores, Featuring NIET Impact

National reading scores have struggled to rebound in the wake of the pandemic, but Louisiana pulled off an extraordinary turnaround statewide, leaping from 50th to 16th in the nation for fourth grade reading. Natchitoches Parish School District is one of the districts that excelled in its reading scores, despite facing challenges including a high percentage of students from economically disadvantaged households. The district, a longtime NIET partner, is highlighted in NPR's recent piece, "Five years since COVID, Louisiana's readers are thriving. This is their secret".

District leaders credit this momentum and support to its partnership with NIET:

Our students’ success isn’t an accident - it’s the result of investing in teachers. Through NIET’s support, we’ve built a system where every educator, from new teachers to veteran leaders, has access to ongoing coaching and collaboration. When teachers are strong, students thrive.

Dr. Grant Eloi, Natchitoches Parish School District Superintendent

When we invest in teachers, we invest in students - and that has been the foundation of our partnership with NIET. NIET has helped us to create a framework where educators receive individualized coaching, engage in meaningful professional learning, and have access to the resources they need to be highly effective.

Kathy Noel, Natchitoches Parish School District School Improvement Specialist

Read NPR's article here