Louisiana Looking For Bids To Overhaul Pre-Kindergarten

Officials in the State of Louisiana want to increase the number of children that are ready to learn when they enter Kindergarten.  That's why they are seeking bids from school districts and other groups who are interested working with them to overhaul pre-kindergarten classes in the state.

The new pilot projects were made necessary after a new law passed in 2012 that mandates the Louisiana Department of Education and the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education make improvements to the program's standards.

Critics who worked to make changes say the system is lacking in standards, availability and quality across the board in pre-kindergarten programs.

The ultimate goal of state officials would be an increase in kids that are ready to learn from the current 54 percent up to 70 percent.