Lowers the ACT score required for initial qualification for a Taylor Opportunity Program for Students award for students who complete approved home study programs (EG INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Impact
If enacted, HB 68 would align the ACT score requirements for home study program graduates with those of their peers in traditional high schools for award eligibility in the TOPS program. This change could significantly increase access to state-funded scholarships for students who may have been disadvantaged by the higher scoring thresholds previously imposed on home study graduates. The bill proposes that for the 2024-2025 award year and thereafter, the ACT requirements would be 17 for TOPS-Tech, 20 for Opportunity, 23 for Performance, and 27 for Honors, all reflecting the same standards applied to other high school graduates.
Summary
House Bill 68, proposed for the 2024 Regular Session, aims to modify the eligibility criteria for the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) scholarship by lowering the minimum ACT score requirement for students who complete approved home study programs. Under current law, while home study students are exempt from completing a specific high school curriculum or maintaining a minimum grade point average, they must achieve a higher ACT score compared to their peers from traditional high schools. The bill seeks to eliminate this additional hurdle, allowing home study graduates to qualify for the scholarships with the same ACT scores required of students from accredited high schools.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HB 68 appears to be broadly supportive among those advocating for educational equity and access. Proponents argue that the bill promotes fairness by providing equal opportunities to home study graduates, removing barriers that may have previously discouraged them from pursuing higher education. However, there may be voiced concerns from opponents who worry that lowering standards could impact the perceived quality and rigor of the TOPS program; these concerns primarily revolve around ensuring that all students meet specific academic benchmarks essential for success in higher education.
Contention
A notable point of contention in the debate surrounding HB 68 centers on the implications of lowering academic standards for scholarship eligibility. Critics may argue that maintaining rigorous qualifications is essential for ensuring that scholarship recipients are adequately prepared for the demands of college-level coursework. It's important to consider that while the bill is intended to foster inclusivity, ensuring the academic competency of students receiving public funding for their education remains a critical issue within legislative discussions.
Provides relative to the application for federal student aid with respect to the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) (EG SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)
Relative to the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS), provides that dependent children of parents living overseas meet TOPS residency requirements if certain conditions are met (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
Creates and provides for a program to provide state funding for the education of students with exceptionalities not enrolled in public school (RE INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Creates and provides for a program to provide state funding for the education of students not enrolled in public school and expands the ability of parents to enroll children in the public school of their choice (RR INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Prohibits promotion to the fourth grade of certain students whose reading deficiencies have not been remedied by the end of the third grade (EN INCREASE LF EX See Note)