John White was named Louisiana State Superintendent of Education in January of 2012. That year he launched Louisiana Believes, the state’s plan to ensure every child is on track to college or a professional career. In the time since, White has worked to unify the state’s fragmented early childhood system, to modernize expectations and curriculum for all students, to professionalize the preparation of educators, to provide pathways to prosperity for all high school graduates, and to provide families with expansive school options irrespective of their financial means. As a result of this work, students across Louisiana are performing at levels never seen before.

The number of students scoring “Mastery” and above on LEAP tests has increased 13% in the last five years. A record 25,704 high school seniors in the class of 2017 earned a college-going ACT score (18+), an increase of 7,397 students since 2012.

More students graduated in 2016 than ever before. Since 2012, the number of students earning Advanced Placement credit each year has increased 137%.