Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (LEAP)

Each year, 4th- and 8th-grade students participate in the state’s Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (LEAP) – a series of tests that determines whether they will be required to attend summer school or be retained. Based on Louisiana’s Grade-Level Expectations (GLEs), the LEAP measures 4th- and 8th-grade students' knowledge and skills in English Language Arts, math, science and social studies. Students must score Basic or above in either English Language Arts (ELA) or math and Approaching Basic or above in the other subject to advance to the next grade. Fourth-graders have had to meet this requirement since 2004, while 8th-graders have had to meet this requirement since 2006.

If a student does not pass the 4th- or 8th-Grade LEAP test in the spring, he or she may participate in summer remediation and a summer retest in the subject in which he/she scored Unsatisfactory and/or Approaching Basic. In the event that a student does not pass the LEAP after summer retesting, Louisiana offers students additional options:

Fourth Grade

Fourth-grade students who do not meet the state’s 4th-grade promotional standard may participate in a Fourth-Grade Transitional Program, which is designed to provide students with remedial 4th-grade class work and regular 5th-grade course work. If students meet certain criteria through their participation in the Transitional Program, they are eligible to advance to the 6th grade.

Eighth Grade

Eighth-grade students who do not meet the Basic/Approaching Basic promotional standard to be promoted to the 9th grade, but score at least Approaching Basic in either English or math, may enter high school to pursue a Career Diploma.

Additionally, students who have not met the Basic/Approaching Basic promotional standard or the criteria to pursue a career diploma must repeat the 8th grade. However, students are only required to repeat the 8th grade once and may advance to high school and enter a program that best suits their academic needs.

Waivers

Under certain conditions, local school districts may waive the high-stakes testing policy for students in 4th and 8th grades, if those students meet certain requirements.