This bill amends existing Louisiana law regarding high school core curriculum requirements, specifically focusing on the inclusion of Computer Science as a required course for students graduating between the 2027-2028 and 2029-2030 school years. The amendments to R.S. 17:5025.7 and 5026(F) clarify that students must complete a core curriculum of twenty units of coursework to be eligible for Opportunity, Performance, or Honors Awards, as well as for TOPS-Tech Awards. The bill also repeals certain sections of Act No. 211 from the 2024 Regular Session, which may have previously outlined different requirements.

Additionally, the bill establishes that Computer Science can count towards math and science credits for high school career majors starting with students entering ninth grade in the 2025-2026 school year. It mandates that public high schools provide Computer Science instruction beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, with a requirement for students entering ninth grade in 2027-2028 to successfully complete a one-credit Computer Science course for graduation. These changes aim to align high school curricula with modern educational needs and enhance students' qualifications for state awards.

Statutes affected:
HB372 Original: 17:7, 17:5026(F)
HB372 Engrossed: 17:7, 17:5026(F)
HB372 Enrolled: 17:7, 17:5026(F)
HB372 Act 268: 17:7, 17:5026(F)