DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 448 Original 2020 Regular Session Cox
Abstract: Requires equal weight to be granted in certain test score and diploma categories for
purposes of calculating school and district performance scores.
Present law requires the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) to provide for
a system of school and district accountability and for the assignment of letter grades to each school
and district based on BESE's method of determining performance scores. (Such method is provided
in BESE policy.) Proposed law adds that for purposes of calculations made pursuant to this system,
the same number of points shall be awarded for students in the following categories:
(1)Those whose composite score on the ACT is within the range of minimum scores required
to qualify students for a TOPS-Tech Award or Opportunity Award as provided by the Taylor
Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) program.
(2)Those earning a high school diploma in four years, regardless of the type of diploma,
curriculum completed, achievement of certain scores in advanced classes, credentials earned,
or attainment of any postsecondary degrees while in high school. Relative to the curriculum
completed, no distinction shall be made between students who successfully complete the core
curriculum required to qualify for a TOPS Opportunity, Performance, or Honors Award and
those who successfully complete the core curriculum required to qualify for a TOPS-Tech
Award.
(Adds R.S. 17:10.1(J))