Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE)

The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) is the state's statewide agency responsible for overseeing public education from kindergarten through 12th grade. It sets policies, standards, and curriculum requirements, allocates funding, and monitors school performance to ensure quality education for students. BESE also approves teacher certification standards and intervenes in low-performing schools. Composed of members elected or appointed from across Louisiana, the board works to improve educational outcomes and ensure accountability within the state's public school system.