The New iLEAP Results Are Here

Caddo and Bossier Parish scholars have been receiving a lesson in patience. Kids and educators have been waiting for the results of the iLEAP test, it compares school districts within Louisiana and also nationally. Bossier Parish students placed above average in all the grades tested while Caddo Parish scholars tested near average. "Seeing now the long waited test results are in, and what we did excellent, I say excellent because any gain to me is excellent," explained Detrise Fashion, Third Grade Creswell Elementary School teacher. Fashion believes part of the success is due to the all the advances in technology and the access students have to computers and online learning. Grades 3, 5, 6, 7 and 9 are asked a series of question on topics like English and math. Some schools offer tutorial programs, but most educators believe the curriculum should be taught year round. "They are really preparing for the those tests all year, if they are learning what they need to learn," commented Superintendent Ken Kruithof, Bossier Parish Schools. "The confidence of the instructor really reflects how the kids will test. If I stress them when test time comes, I will have stressed out students," said Fashion. Educators in both parishes try to make sure the students are comfortable with the material and tell them to just do their best. "We are going to be proud of them regardless of the results," reassured Kruithof. Students may complain about the test but without them, Fashion says, schools would be different. "Our education system would actually probably be the lowest, not just in the states but in the world," admitted Fashion.