Studying TOPS (2017)
Louisiana Public Square
Details
Collection:LPB
Genre: Panel
Place Covered: Louisiana
Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority
Date Issued: 2017-08-23
Duration: 00:57:14
Subjects: Filmed panel discussions | HIGHER EDUCATION | TOPS PROGRAM | Taylor Opportunity Program for Students | STATE BUDGET
Contributors:
- Courtney, Beth Host
- Moreau, Andre Host
- Gautreaux, Kevin Producer
- Spires, Kelly Producer
- Scott, Robert Travis Interviewee
- Foil, Franklin Interviewee
- Thami, Faith Interviewee
- Howard, Darla Speaker
- Howard, Joseph Speaker
- Marlin, Maxwell Speaker
- Kemp, Eva Speaker
- Leavoy, Leslie Speaker
- Tucker, Lynn Speaker
- Dimaio, Eddie Speaker
- Gamard, Sarah Speaker
- Cutrera, Mary Lou Speaker
- Fontenot, Gabrielle Speaker
- Fontenot, Monique Speaker
- Caillier, James Panelist
- Morrish, Dan "Blade" Panelist
- Lipsey, Richard Panelist
- Crisp, Elizabeth Panelist
Description
This episode of the series “Louisiana Public Square” from August 23, 2017, features Andre Moreau leading a discussion between the audience members and panelists on the future of the TOPS scholarship program. A background report on the topic precedes the discussion. It includes interviews with: Robert Travis Scott, the president of the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana; State Representative Franklin Foil; and Faith Thami, a sophomore at LSU. The audience members then discuss their view of the TOPS program and possible changes that can make TOPS more sustainable. A panel of experts then joins the audience to answer their questions. The panelists are: Dr. James Caillier, executive director of the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation; State Senator Dan “Blade” Morrish, the chairman of the Senate Education Committee; Richard Lipsey, the chairman of the Louisiana Board of Regents; and Elizabeth Crisp, a reporter for “The Advocate” newspaper. They discuss: the success of the TOPS program; the purpose of the Legislature’s TOPS Task Force; whether the program should be merit-based or needs-based; the requirements of the program; what Louisiana can learn from similar programs in other states; prioritizing programs within the state budget; and the TOPS Tech award for students attending two-year colleges. Hosts: Beth Courtney and Andre Moreau