Louisiana House Bill HR204

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/21/10
• Passed: 6/21/10

Caption

Requests the Bd. of Regents to study and report on certain issues relative to the high school core curriculum requirements for students to be eligible for a TOPS Opportunity, Performance, or Honors award

Impact

The resolution addresses concerns that the updated curriculum requirements set by House Bill 1491 could disadvantage students in nonpublic schools as they might have different academic structures and course offerings. By studying these disparities, the Board of Regents is expected to propose recommendations that could enhance access to TOPS award eligibility for students in nonpublic education systems. This can potentially reformulate state laws related to educational equity, ensuring that requirements do not inadvertently exclude certain student groups.

Summary

House Resolution 204 (HR204) requests the Board of Regents to evaluate the high school core curriculum requirements necessary for students to be eligible for the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS). Specifically, it calls for a study on whether the requirement for students to complete nineteen units of specified coursework has a disparate impact on those attending state-approved nonpublic (private) schools from the 2013-2014 school year onward. This resolution aims to ensure equitable educational opportunities for all students, regardless of the type of school they attend.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR204 is generally supportive of ensuring fairness within the educational system, particularly advocating for the rights of students in nonpublic schools. Many legislators and education advocacy groups express a desire to uphold the integrity of state educational programs while promoting an inclusive environment where all students can meet eligibility standards without facing undue barriers. However, there are concerns regarding the administration and implementation of these findings, reflecting some skepticism about how comprehensive and effective the proposed solutions might be.

Contention

Notable points of contention include debates on the validity of the state's educational requirements and whether they effectively accommodate students in varying educational settings. While the intent is to analyze and potentially rectify any disparities, there could be disagreements on the interpretation of the data collected, as well as the proposed measures to address the concerns raised. Additionally, the question of local autonomy for nonpublic schools versus state educational standards is likely to be at the forefront of discussions during the review process.