Revises academic requirements for initial eligibility to receive certain TOPS awards and allocates additional funding to the La. GO Grant program. (gov sig) (EG -$24,000,000 GF EX See Note)
Impact
The amendments brought forth by SB 520 will directly influence the landscape of financial assistance for postsecondary education in Louisiana. By modifying eligibility criteria for the TOPS awards, the bill aims to establish higher academic expectations for students. This shift could lead to a more academically proficient cohort in higher education, albeit with potential barriers for those unable to meet the revised standards. To balance the revisions, the bill also allocates funding towards the Louisiana GO Grant program, ensuring that a percentage of savings from TOPS can be used to increase student participation rates in financial aid programs.
Summary
Senate Bill 520 primarily focuses on revising the academic requirements needed for students to qualify for various awards under the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) in Louisiana. The changes will take effect for students graduating from high school during the 2017-2018 school year and thereafter. The bill notably raises the minimum cumulative high school GPA necessary for qualification for Opportunity, Performance, and Honors awards, alongside adjustments to the corresponding ACT/SAT scores. The proposed minimum GPA for an Opportunity award increases from 2.50 to 2.75 and from 3.00 to 3.00 for Performance and Honors awards, with increased ACT score requirements as well.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB 520 appears mixed. Proponents argue that the bill's stricter academic requirements will incentivize students to achieve higher educational standards, ultimately benefiting the state's workforce and economy. Conversely, critics have raised concerns that the increased eligibility barriers may disproportionately affect students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds or those who may face challenges in meeting the new GPA and test score requirements. This divide resonates with the ongoing discussions regarding educational equity and access to financial resources for deserving students.
Contention
Notable points of contention within the discussions of SB 520 revolve around the balance between raising academic standards and maintaining accessibility to financial aid. While supporters see the revisions as a means of elevating the educational achievements of Louisiana students, opponents argue that imposing higher thresholds may alienate capable students who are unable to reach the new requirements due to circumstantial disadvantages. The ongoing debate encapsulates broader themes in education policy regarding the role of state intervention, funding allocation, and the implications for future generations of students.
Extends TOPS eligibility for certain students who reenlist in the United States Armed Forces and maintain continuous active duty. (gov sig) (EG SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)
Changes certain TOPS initial eligibility requirements and provides relative to the sharing of certain student data. (gov sig) (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)
Raises the minimum GPA required for initial eligibility for a Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) Opportunity Award and provides for exceptions granted with respect to enrollment requirements for initial and continuing eligibility (OR DECREASE GF EX See Note)
Creates a new Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) award, the TOPS Transfer Award, and raises grade point average and ACT score required for initial eligibility for a TOPS Opportunity Award (EG DECREASE GF EX See Note)
Raises the minimum grade point average required for initial eligibility for a Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) Opportunity Award (EG DECREASE GF EX See Note)
Revises core curriculum requirements and the method of calculating the grade point average for TOPS awards. (gov sig) (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)
Extends TOPS eligibility for certain students who reenlist in the U.S. Armed Forces and maintain continuous active duty (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)
Raises the minimum grade point average required for initial eligibility for a Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) Opportunity Award (EG DECREASE GF EX See Note)
Provides relative to the use of student test scores and diploma types in calculations of performance scores for the school and district accountability system
Creates a new Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) award, the TOPS Transfer Award, and raises grade point average and ACT score required for initial eligibility for a TOPS Opportunity Award (EG DECREASE GF EX See Note)
Raises the minimum GPA required for initial eligibility for a Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) Opportunity Award and provides for exceptions granted with respect to enrollment requirements for initial and continuing eligibility (OR DECREASE GF EX See Note)