The original instrument was prepared by Jeanne Johnston. The following digest,
which does not constitute a part of the legislative instrument, was prepared by
Cathy R. Wells.
DIGEST
Nevers (SB 98)
Present law provides that the minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) required for a
student to be eligible for a Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) Opportunity,
Performance, or Honors award shall be calculated using only the grades obtained by the student
in courses contained in the TOPS core curriculum as prescribed by present law.
Proposed law retains present law.
Present law provides that, beginning with students graduating in the 2017-18 school year, TOPS
GPA calculation shall utilize a five-point scale for grades earned in certain Advanced Placement
(AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), gifted courses, and dual enrollment courses as approved
by the Board of Regents and the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE).
Further provides that for such courses, five quality points shall be assigned to an "A", four
quality points shall be assigned to a "B", three quality points shall be assigned to a "C", two
quality points shall be assigned to a "D", and zero quality points shall be assigned to an "F".
Proposed law retains present law and additionally provides that the TOPS GPA calculation shall
also utilize a five-point scale for honors courses and talented courses.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 17:3048.1(A)(1)(b)(ii)(bb), (c)(ii)(bb), and (d)(ii)(bb))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Education to the original bill
1. Provides that the GPA for talented courses shall also be computed on a five-point
scale for TOPS purposes.
Senate Floor Amendments to engrossed bill
1. Makes technical correction.