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BATON ROUGE — Louisiana will not require standardized testing for the 2019-2020 school year, according to the Louisiana Department of Education. Because testing data is required to be used in accountability systems, like Louisiana’s annual report cards, the state will also exclude testing data from performance measures for the current school year.

This measure was approved by the U.S. Department of Education in response the coronavirus forcing school closures across the state and nation. All schools in Louisiana remain closed through at least April 13.

In a news release, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos wrote that it is important for state and local leaders to focus on the immediate needs of students and educators without fearing federal repercussions.

“I’ve spoken with many local education leaders in the past days, and I’m inspired by their efforts to help their students continue to learn and grow,” DeVos wrote. “We’re going to continue to provide every flexibility possible to help make that as simple as possible.”

Acting State Superintendent Beth Scioneaux said Louisiana’s commitment to strong assessment and accountability systems remains unchanged.

“However, the health and well-being of our state’s most vulnerable populations must be our first priority in the coming months,” she said. “We greatly appreciate the U.S. Department of Education’s expedient review and approval of our request.”