Andrew Shachat

As a director at Watershed Advisors, Andrew is dedicated to enhancing the educational experiences of young learners. His policy expertise spans state assessment and accountability systems, high-impact tutoring for accelerated student learning, and fostering innovations in school choice.

At Watershed, Andrew has supported leaders across several states to develop new assessment and accountability systems. Before joining Watershed, Andrew served as the Director of Accountability Policy and Analytics at the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) where he oversaw the implementation and communication of the state’s K-12 accountability system. In this role, Andrew supported the agency’s executive-level leadership, facilitated stakeholder conversations with critical education and community leaders throughout Louisiana, supported the development of innovative new measures in state accountability systems, and managed a team to develop and evaluate policy recommendations. He brings years of experience in data analytics and managed the team responsible for responding to public records and other data-related requests at the LDOE. He also previously supported the strategy development and analytics behind the LDOE’s vision for school improvement in lower-performing schools. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he played a key role in the LDOE’s policy response to support system leaders and families.

Andrew also brings expertise in school choice and currently supports clients in designing and evaluating policies ranging from charter school authorization and renewal to innovative direct-to-family grant programs. He previously oversaw the LDOE’s charter authorization program and additionally brings experience supporting and evaluating Louisiana’s nonpublic scholarship programs. He began his education career as a high school chemistry teacher in the Metro Nashville Public School system.

Andrew holds a master’s degree in education from Lipscomb University and a bachelor’s degree with high distinction from the University of Virginia. He currently resides in New Orleans with his wife, son, and dog.