ERATH — Erath High School recently scored an A� in the 2011 Baseline School Performance Scores. Not only that, its baseline score of 140.8 puts it at the top of the list, ranked above all other nonselective high schools in the state.

"It’s just so rewarding," said principal Francis Touchet. "It’s been a long road, but we have worked hard to make our school the best, and we are going to continue to work hard."

Louisiana’s Accountability System mandates students be tested annually. Based on those scores, as well as assessments combined with dropout and graduation rates and other factors, schools and districts receive School Performance Scores.

The state publishes those scores for all public elementary, middle and high schools in Louisiana. Scores can be viewed on the Louisiana Department of Education website at www.louisianaschools.net.

Only about 20 schools scored a baseline SPS higher than Erath. All of those schools, though, are selective entrance schools, meaning they are magnet or charter schools that have certain requirements for entrance. By comparison, Erath is a public high school and admission is open to any student in the district.

Touchet has been the principal at Erath High for the past seven years. Prior to becoming a principal, he was an assistant principal and football coach for many years.

"I’ve taken my coaching experience and applied it to academics," Touchet said. "My staff and I went all over Louisiana and we visited the top high schools in the state. We learned what makes their schools successful. Some of those things we now do here."

For example, Touchet says he instituted a sustained silent reading program at the school. Every morning students must stop and read for at least 15 minutes. There is an also an accelerated reading program that ties the student’s reading grade to his or her English grade.

"Students have to have good reading comprehension to test well," Touchet said. "They are held accountable if they don’t do the reading. Also, we do an intervention for students who are struggling in their classes. Every afternoon for 20 minutes, we send those students to tutoring or to get help. Those students who don’t need help do an enrichment activity."

Touchet said the top ranking has gotten the school an A� from the community, as well. The community, he said, is excited about Erath’s accomplishments and adds that students and parents all contributed to the school’s success.

"You have to get parents involved and do all these things to stay on top.," Touchet said. "And we are going to keep going up."

Athletic Network Footnote: Francis Toucet was a member of the Ragin’ Cajuns football team, 1987-89.
Click here to view Francis and the 1987 football team. Click on the thumbnail to enlarge.