LSU Elementary Education Program Earns National A+ Rating for Excellence in Preparing Future Reading Teachers

BATON ROUGE, LA – The LSU Lutrill & Pearl Payne School of Education has earned national recognition for excellence in teacher preparation, with its Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (Grades 1–5) receiving an A+ from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) - the organization's highest rating for preparing future elementary educators to teach reading.

The distinction comes from NCTQ's 2026 Teacher Prep Review: Decoding Progress in Reading Preparation, which evaluates how effectively teacher preparation programs equip future teachers to provide evidence-based reading instruction grounded in the science of reading. The A+ designation places LSU among a select group of educator preparation programs nationwide recognized for exceeding rigorous national standards.

"Our mission is to prepare educators who change lives," said Roland W. Mitchell, dean of the LSU College of Human Sciences & Education. "This national recognition reflects the exceptional work of our faculty and their commitment to ensuring every graduate enters the classroom ready to help children become confident, capable readers. Strong literacy instruction changes the trajectory of a child's education, and we are proud that LSU graduates are prepared to make that impact across Louisiana and beyond."

To earn an A+, teacher preparation programs must demonstrate comprehensive instruction in all five scientifically supported components of reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension.

Meeting Louisiana's Literacy Priorities

Reading proficiency in the early grades is one of the strongest predictors of long-term academic success. Yet according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), approximately four in ten Louisiana fourth-grade students are not reading at the basic level. Research consistently shows that one of the most effective ways to improve literacy outcomes is to ensure that elementary teachers receive strong preparation before entering the classroom.

LSU's nationally recognized program aligns with Louisiana's ongoing emphasis on evidence-based literacy instruction and reflects the university's commitment to preparing educators who are ready to meet the needs of today's classrooms from their very first day of teaching.

"This recognition affirms years of thoughtful curriculum development and the dedication of our faculty to preparing highly effective elementary educators," said Senlin Chen, interim director of the LSU Lutrill & Pearl Payne School of Education. "Every child deserves a teacher who understands how reading develops and how to provide instruction that allows every learner to succeed. We are incredibly proud of our faculty, our students and the impact they will have in classrooms throughout Louisiana."

As part of its review, NCTQ examined required literacy coursework, syllabi, lecture schedules, assessments, instructional materials, clinical experiences and opportunities for teacher candidates to practice evidence-based reading instruction. The review process was informed by a panel of reading researchers, literacy advocates, teacher educators, and measurement experts.

The recognition adds to the growing momentum at the LSU Lutrill & Pearl Payne School of Education, which continues to expand innovative teacher preparation initiatives that strengthen Louisiana's educator workforce. Central to this effort is the Tiger Teacher Corps, which places education students in classrooms beginning in their first semester and strives to build strong partnerships with school districts across the state. Combining these efforts with mentorship, PRAXIS exam preparation, and living-learning communities, the initiative aims to prepare graduates to make an immediate impact in schools and communities across the state.