Think Tanks Weighs In on Education Boss Selection

Ethan Melancon from Louisiana's Pelican Institute think tank, talks to 101.7 / 710 KEEL's Robert J Wright and Erin McCarty about the his group's thoughts on the selection of a new state Education Superintendent and who they think is the most qualified candidate.

Melancon tells KEEL listeners about the Pelican Institute's findings in a recent survey they conducted, asking state residents what qualities they're looking for in a new State Superintendent of Education. "Louisiana wants to continue on the reform path," he says. "Over the past few years, with John White as Superintendent, we've made strides in student outcome and student achievement. Though we're still at the bottom of many national lists, we are making...progress."

Melancon also says that school choice is at the top of the list of education priorities for most Louisianans. "Parents want opportunity and choice when it comes to educating their children."

And is the topic of education, like so many other issues, a political one? Melancon says their study says no. "(Education) isn't conservative versus liberal. What it is...we all want to advance the same thing. Everyone wants to be sure that their children are getting the best education. We know that education is the one thing that can pull people out of poverty, break that cycle of poverty. So, it really doesn't surprise me that we have agreement about what we need going forward. It's not just a conservative value. It's not just a liberal value. It's a quality education for everyone value."

For more information about the Pelican Institute think tank and their views on education and other issues affecting Louisiana, JUST CLICK HERE!