WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 327

TOPS: Requires schools to use a 10-point grading scale to assign grades used in the calculation of the minimum grade point average required for initial award eligibility (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tehmi Chassion and 1 co-sponsor

Louisiana schools must use a 10-point grading scale for calculating TOPS scholarship eligibility GPAs, standardizing assessment across the state but potentially affecting award amounts based on existing grading practices.

Signed by the Governor. Becomes Act No. 356.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 327

Legislative bill overview

HB 327 mandates that Louisiana schools use a standardized 10-point grading scale (A=90-100, B=80-89, etc.) when calculating the grade point average (GPA) used to determine eligibility for the TOPS (Taylor Opportunity Program for Students) scholarship. Previously, schools could use varying grading scales, which created inconsistency in how student GPAs were calculated for state scholarship eligibility purposes.

Why is this important

TOPS is Louisiana's flagship merit-based scholarship program that significantly impacts college affordability for qualifying students. Standardizing the grading scale ensures equitable evaluation across all public schools in the state, preventing scenarios where students at schools using different grading scales have systematically higher or lower calculated GPAs for the same academic performance. This directly affects which students qualify for financial aid and how much they receive.

Potential points of contention

  • Grade inflation concerns: Schools with traditionally lenient grading practices may see their students' TOPS-calculated GPAs drop, potentially reducing scholarship awards even if actual performance hasn't changed
  • Implementation burden: Schools already using different grading scales must retrain staff and adjust systems, with potential administrative costs despite the fiscal note
  • Equity questions: The bill may disadvantage students in schools where teachers grade on difficulty rather than absolute performance scales, creating winners and losers even among similar-performing students

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.