Requests the Board of Regents to develop a uniform policy regarding the acceptance of college credit hours earned through Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exams.
Impact
The passage of SCR49 directly impacts Louisiana's state laws by addressing the lack of consistency in how colleges credit AP and IB exam scores. By mandating a uniform policy, it aims to ensure fairness across public postsecondary institutions and enhance students' opportunities to earn college credits early. This could potentially lead to higher graduation rates, as studies indicate that students who complete an IB diploma or achieve satisfactory scores in AP exams are significantly more likely to graduate from college. The resolution points to the benefits of greater collaboration between high schools and colleges in streamlining education pathways for students.
Summary
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 49 (SCR49) urges the Board of Regents of Louisiana, in collaboration with postsecondary education management boards, to establish a uniform policy for the acceptance of college credit earned through Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations. The resolution emphasizes the importance of creating a standardized approach for colleges and universities in the acceptance of such credits, which would aid in facilitating smoother transitions for students from high school to college. This development is timely, as it seeks to encourage high school students to enroll in rigorous academic programs that better prepare them for their postsecondary education.
Sentiment
Overall, the sentiment surrounding SCR49 appears to be positive. Lawmakers recognize the benefits of a consistent and equitable system that encourages student success and college preparedness. The discussion reflects a collective priority on improving educational outcomes and ensuring that the diverse achievements of students in AP and IB programs are acknowledged universally. Stakeholders, including educators and legislators, express optimism about the opportunities that a uniform policy can create for students across Louisiana.
Contention
While there is broad support for SCR49, points of contention may arise regarding the specifics of the policy implementation, particularly around the required scores for college credit acceptance and how such standards might affect smaller institutions versus larger universities. Additionally, there are concerns about ensuring that the policy is equitable for all schools regardless of their resources, and the potential need for periodic assessments of the policy's effectiveness to adjust and meet the evolving educational landscape.
Requests the Board of Regents to consider articulation and transfer efforts of public postsecondary educational institutions when allocating funds through the funding formula for public postsecondary education.
Requests the Board of Regents and the postsecondary education management boards to conduct a comprehensive study of student articulation and transfer in the state.
Requests the Board of Regents and the postsecondary education management boards to adopt a flexible and holistic admissions policy for summer and fall 2020 semesters due to COVID-19.
Requests the Board of Regents to re-examine the state's public postsecondary education delivery system and make recommendations regarding the role, scope, and mission of each public postsecondary institution.