Ensuring every child is on track for success after graduation, removing barriers to equity, and providing educators with what they need to be at their best are among the priorities as the Louisiana Department of Education sets an ambitious course forward. Believe to Achieve: Educational Priorities serves as the Department’s roadmap to improving outcomes for all Louisiana children. Believe to Achieve includes the Department’s belief statements, state data to help track progress toward Louisiana’s six critical goals, and the new priorities that will direct the LDOE’s efforts as they work toward achieving the critical goals. Each priority outlines focus areas for the key actions and initiatives. Educational Priorities • Ensure every student is on track to a professional career, college degree, or service • Remove barriers and create equitable, inclusive learning experiences for all children • Provide the highest quality teaching and learning environment • Develop and retain a diverse, highly-effective educator workforce • Cultivate high-impact systems, structures, and partnerships Critical Goals • Students enter kindergarten ready • Students will achieve Mastery level on third-grade assessments and enter fourth grade prepared for grade-level content • Students will achieve Mastery level on eighth-grade assessments and enter ninth grade prepared for grade-level content • Students will graduate on time • Graduates will graduate with a college and/or career credential • Graduates will be eligible for a TOPS award