LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) –  In an LPSS website statement, LPSS Superintendent Dr. Donald Aguillard explains that he recently announced to the school board that district administrators have been able to find additional money. It’s money that can be used to purchase non-consumable science equipment for all elementary and middle schools in the district.

Dr. Aguillard says the new science equipment comes just as the Louisiana Department of Education is considering the adoption of new science standards for K-thru-12 students; that means the one-time allocation is quite timely.

Aguillard explains in a statement that district administrators were able to budget $387,250 of one-time Federal Funds to provide roughly $50 per child for all third, fourth and fifth-grade students in elementary schools. “All elementary schools will receive a minimum baseline allocation of $10,000. Middle schools will also receive a minimum allocation of $5,000,” Aguillard notes.

Science Specialist Dr. Shauna LeBlanc says there will be a $5,000 allotment for all middle schools. “It can be microscopes. It can be circuit boards. It can be magnetic kits and rocket kits,” adds Dr. LeBlanc.

Dr. LeBlanc says the goal is to prepare students for the new science standards being drafted by the Department of Education. It will be a new way of teaching science. LeBlanc says through 3-dimensional learning or learning by doing. “What that means for our students is that they will really need that science equipment to fully implement the new way of teaching and standards.”

The Principal of S.J. Elementary explains that without hands-on learning our kids will have a rough time applying what’s being taught. “If they don’t have access to those materials and if they can’t see them; just showing it to them in a book doesn’t have near the effect,” adds Janine LeFleur.

LeBlanc says N.P. Moss Prep will receive $3,000 for its elementary school students. “They will learn by doing and that’s what keeps them engaged.”

Dr. LeBlanc explains the Louisiana State Department of Education has information about the proposed new science standards on its website for review. LeBlanc says the state encourages parents and educators to submit on the website comments about what they see or want to know.

MORE: https://www.louisianabelieves.com/academics/louisiana-student-standards-review