Starting in the 2027-28 school year, Louisiana high school graduates will be required to take computer science classes. The bill was authored by Democrat Rep. Jason Hughes from New Orleans and passed through the Senate Education Committee without objection.
Under the new measure, computer science requirements will be mandatory for every path to a high school diploma at Louisiana public schools. In addition, computer science would also be necessary to receive any award from the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS). This includes the Opportunity, Performance, and Honors awards, all of which would require students to complete one credit of computer science within their math or science curriculum or instead of a foreign language course.
For students pursuing the TOPS Tech pathway, they have the option to take computer science as one of their math or science courses, or as one of their electives. However, for students graduating in 2028 and aiming for TOPS Opportunity, Performance, and Honors awards, computer science can only substitute for the foreign language requirement. On the other hand, the TOPS Tech pathway for students graduating in 2028 does not allow for computer science to fulfill any existing requirements.
Previously, a bill approved two years ago by then-Sen. Sharon Hewitt allowed students to substitute two credits of computer science for a foreign language in order to be eligible for TOPS. Hughes’ bill will now proceed to the Senate floor for further consideration.
This move is seen as an effort by lawmakers to prepare Louisiana high school graduates with skills necessary for future careers in technology-driven industries.