A decentralized system of public schools, like that in New Orleans where over 70% of students attend independently operated charter schools, requires access to timely information about schools and districts for research, program and policy assessment, and stakeholder decision-making. Currently, getting access to data for program evaluation, overall assessment and research, and to inform parents during the school choice process is difficult. Given the current challenge of data access, the Cowen Institute has created a database that compiles data released by the Louisiana Department of Education.

The data compiled in the database includes but is not limited to:

  • Student demographics, such as race, grade level, and free or reduced price lunch eligibility,
  • Personnel data, including teacher experience and average salaries,
  • School and district finances, such as expenditures and revenues in a number of categories,
  • Student and school performance, including School Performance Scores and standardized test results,
  • Graduation and dropout rates and discipline data such as suspensions and expulsions.

The following are some examples of the type of questions that can be answered by consulting the database:

  • How has the average School Performance Score for a type of school (i.e. Recovery School District charter schools) changed over time?
  • What percentage of students in a school, school type, or across all schools are minorities?
  • What is the average School Performance Score for a school where more than 75% of students are eligible for free or reduced lunch?
  • On average, how much did public schools in New Orleans spend on transportation last year?
  • Within RSD schools, what percentage of teachers had 20 or more years of experience?

If you have a question about public schools in Louisiana, or would like to access data on schools, please fill out the data request form below. A Cowen Institute staff member will contact you within two working days to assist you.

Power in Numbers is funded in part by a grant from the IMPACT Program at the Greater New Orleans Foundation.