Louisiana aims to reduce testing for high schoolers

Here’s a math problem that Louisiana high schoolers might enjoy solving: Six mandatory state tests minus two.

Beginning in 2028, high schoolers will take one comprehensive test in math and one in English, down from two tests in each subject, state Department of Education officials said. The current civics and biology tests will continue, for a total of four state tests instead of six.

The comprehensive English assessment will replace separate English I and English II end-of-course exams, while the math assessment will replace separate Algebra I and geometry tests. Students will take both comprehensive tests in 10th grade.

The changes will not affect Louisiana’s graduation requirements, which require high schoolers to pass at least three state exams. But they will cut down on mandatory t