Legislators have made a little-noticed trade to the state’s well-liked TOPS tuition waivers for college, one that would lend a hand get ready our younger other folks for the roles of day after today.
Senate Invoice 191 via state Sen. Sharon Hewitt, R-Slidell, would amend the necessities for TOPS eligibility, permitting scholars to rely two credit of pc coding as an alternative of 2 credit of international language.
Encouraging scholars to take a extra rigorous highschool curriculum is among the accomplishments of the TOPS program, so any adjustments within the laws must no longer be taken calmly.
And certainly, SB191 raised considerations from some lawmakers that the shift in TOPS necessities would result in faculty districts slicing again on French training.
“I don’t wish to see us transfer the advances that we have got made since children were punished for speaking French in the study room,” mentioned Rep. Mike Huval, R-Breaux Bridge.
However state Rep. Lance Harris, R-Alexandria, identified that French training may also be safe on the native stage. “If the Acadiana faculty district determined to take French out, my God, you’ll be able to unelect the entire faculty board contributors,” Harris mentioned.
Our worry is that pc categories may also be lower than carefully outlined. Studying French or another international language is academically rigorous and a pathway to the type of international literacy this is an increasing number of treasured within the jobs of day after today.
We wonder whether the governor must ponder a extra considerate solution to a hard drawback.
“That is one thing extremely essential for our children someday, to have a vibrant long term within the jobs marketplace,” Harris mentioned. However language instruction may also be, too.
This invoice is at the governor’s table, and it is a nearer name at the matter than its supporters suppose.
