Louisiana schools urged to protect learning time

"Our students have achieved at unprecedented levels because our teachers have been empowered to do what they do best: teach," Brumley wrote. "As we begin this school year, we must continue protecting instructional time by ensuring every classroom remains focused on learning."

His message comes after lawmakers approved House Resolution 333 during this year's legislative session, encouraging schools to consistently follow Louisiana's bullying laws and local policies.

House Resolution 333 does not change state law. Rather, it encourages school governing authorities and employees to consistently comply with Louisiana's existing anti-bullying requirements, which already require school systems to maintain written policies, investigate reports, document incidents, train employees and notify parents when appropriate.

"When instructional time is interrupted by repeated disruptions or when students feel unsafe because of bullying, every child pays the price," Brumley wrote.

The resolution also encourages districts to ensure those policies are reflected in student codes of conduct and consistently enforced.

Brumley noted the state has climbed from 49th to 32nd nationally on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, commonly known as the Nation's Report Card. He said maintaining that momentum depends on classrooms where teachers can spend their time teaching instead of managing repeated disruptions.

He also highlighted the Louisiana Department of Education's "Let Teachers Teach" initiative, which aims to reduce classroom disruptions and allow educators to focus more of the school day on instruction.

The superintendent's letter does not propose new funding or additional disciplinary authority. Instead, it asks local school systems to fully implement policies already on the books as students return to classrooms.