LAC 28:LXXIX.2109
LAC 28:LXXIX.2109. TOPS University Diploma
Cite as La. Admin. Code tit. 28, pt. LXXIX, § 2109
A. Minimum Course Requirements. Course code and course selection criteria shall be in compliance with the TOPS Honors and TOPS Tech course requirements approved jointly by BESE and Board of Regents.
B. State Seal of Biliteracy
1. Schools are encouraged but not required to participate in the State Seal of Biliteracy program.
a. If a school opts to participate in the State Seal of Biliteracy program, its governing authority shall maintain appropriate records in order to identify students who have earned the seal and affix the seal to the transcript and diploma of each student who earns the seal.
2. The State Seal of Biliteracy certifies that a student meets all of the following criteria:
a. Completed all English language arts requirements for graduation;
b. Passed the reading and English parts of the ACT series with a score of 19 or above; and
c. Demonstrated proficiency in one or more languages other than English through one of the methods below.
i. Pass a world language advanced placement examination with a score of three or higher or a world language international baccalaureate examination with a score of four or higher. For languages in which an advanced placement test is not available, school systems may use an equivalent summative test as approved by the state superintendent of education.
ii. Successfully complete a four-year high school course of study in a world language or successfully complete seven Carnegie units or more in language or content courses in a world language immersion setting.
iii. Pass a foreign government approved language examination and receive a receipt of a certificate of competency from the authorizing government agency at:
(a). the European B2 level;
(b). American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages Advanced Low level; or
(c). equivalent measures.
3. If the primary language of a student in grades 9 through 12 is other than English, the student shall do both of the following to qualify for the State Seal of Biliteracy:
a. Attain the early advanced proficiency level on the BESE-approved assessment of English language proficiency administered to identify English Learner progress; and
b. Meet the requirements of Paragraph 2 of this Subsection.
C. For incoming freshmen in the 2014-2015 through 2023-2024 school years who are completing the TOPS university diploma, the minimum course requirements shall be the following:
1. - 2.k. Repealed.
3. English—four units;
4. Mathematics—four units;
5. Science—four units;
6. Social studies—four units;
7. Foreign language—two units;
8. Art—one unit;
9. Physical Education—one and one-half units;
10. Health—one-half unit; and
11. Electives—three units.
12. Total—24 units.
D. For incoming freshmen in the 2024-2025 through 2026-2027 school years who are completing the TOPS university diploma, the minimum course requirements shall be the following:
1. English—four units;
2. Mathematics—four units;
3. Science—four units;
4. Social studies—four units;
5. Foreign language—two units;
6. Art—one unit;
7. Physical Education—one and one-half units;
8. Health—one-half unit;
9. Financial literacy—one unit; and
10. Electives—two units.
11. Total—24 units.
E. For incoming freshmen in the 2027-2028 school year and beyond who are completing the TOPS university diploma, the minimum course requirements shall be the following:
1. English—four units;
2. Mathematics—four units;
3. Science—four units;
4. Social studies—four units;
5. Foreign language—two units;
6. Art—one unit;
7. Physical Education—one and one-half units;
8. Health—one-half unit;
9. Financial literacy—one unit;
10. Computer Science—one unit; and
11. Elective—one unit.
12. Total—24 units