path to thrive

Path to Thrive Alignment Policy

Sabine Parish Schools

August 4, 2026

“Path to Thrive” Accountability Alignment Policy

Louisiana’s new accountability system focuses on three things every student deserves:

  • Achieve – Students perform on grade level in every subject, every year.

  • Grow – Students make measurable progress each year toward or beyond grade level.

  • Thrive – Students graduate in four years and are ready for college, career, or military service.

Sabine Parish Schools is committed to ensuring every student has a clear path to success.

What “Thrive” Means

High school success is now measured by three outcomes:

  1. Graduation in Four Years

  2. National Assessment Proficiency 

    • ACT score of 20

    • WorkKeys Gold

    • ASVAB AQFT 59

  3. College & Career Accelerator (CCA) through:

    • ACT 20 plus AP, Dual Enrollment, or CLEP success

    • Advanced Career Credential

    • Certificate of Technical Studies

    • Military Acceptance

Every student is supported to reach at least one College & Career Accelerator outcome.

What This Looks Like for Students

Grades 9–10

  • Students receive targeted ELA and Math support in 9th grade

  • Students may take the PreACT in 9th grade, and all students will take it by the end of 10th grade to help guide their high school pathway.

  • All 10th graders complete at least one ACT or WorkKeys preparation course, unless they have already earned an ACT score of 20.

  • This ensures every student enters 11th grade with data and a plan.

Beginning of Grade 11

Students in the TOPS University Pathway who met the ACT readiness benchmark: ACT 18 or PreACT 18

Students in the TOPS University Pathway who are still developing readiness on the ACT benchmark: ACT 18 or PreACT 18

JumpStart Students who has not earned WorkKeys Gold

deNSU Early College Access students are:

  • Eligible for up to 12 dual enrollment credit hours in Grade 11

deNSU Fast Forward (Associate of General Studies Program) students:

  • Continue courses needed to stay on pace for degree completion

  • Eligible for up to 6 dual enrollment hours through NSU, 

  • continue ACT/WorkKeys preparation, 

  • Begin advanced credential coursework aligned to CCA success

.

  • Required to continue WorkKeys remediation.

ACT Readiness Checkpoint

Students in any deNSU pathway must have an official ACT score of 20 on file by the district-established checkpoint (Beginning of Grade 12).

Students who do not meet this benchmark:

  • Students may be eligible to enroll in up to 6 dual enrollment credit hours per year if:

    • The student has earned an advanced career credential

  • Students who do not meet the above criteria:

    • Shall be paused from enrolling in district-funded dual enrollment coursework through Northwestern State University, and

    • Shall continue ACT preparation and/or career credential coursework until an ACT score of 20 is achieved

Students who meet this benchmark:

  • deNSU Early College Access students may enroll in up to 12 dual enrollment credit hours in Grade 12

  • deNSU Fast Forward (AGS) students may continue enrollment in courses required to remain on pace for degree completion

Grade 12 Expectations

Beginning with seniors of 2027-28 school year

Students who have not earned:

  • ACT 20,

  • WorkKeys Gold, or

  • ASVAB AFTQ 59

Continue ACT or WorkKeys preparation and career coursework during senior year.

Our Promise

  • Every student has a path.

  • Every student is supported.

  • Every graduate leaves Sabine Parish Schools ready for what comes next.