MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Education

By: Representative Scott (80th)

AN ACT TO REQUIRE THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO CONDUCT A STUDY TO DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT THE BASE CURRICULUM OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS IS ACADEMICALLY CHALLENGING; TO REQUIRE THE STUDY TO SAMPLE STUDENTS AT ALL AGE LEVELS FROM EACH AREA OF THE STATE; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO PREPARE A REPORT ON THE RESULTS OF THE STUDY, WHICH SHALL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE BEFORE DECEMBER 1, 1997; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. (1) The State Department of Education shall conduct a study on the base curriculum of the public schools to determine whether or not the curriculum offered in the grammar and high schools of this state is academically challenging. The study shall be made independent of any work, study or recommendations of the curriculum committee authorized under Section 37-13-9. Students at each grade level from all geographical areas of the state shall be selected by the department at random to be included as part of the study. In addition, the study shall sample school administrators, teachers and parents of school children from all areas of the state regarding the curriculum offered in the public schools.

(2) Before December 1, 1997, the department shall prepare a written report of its findings to be submitted to the State Board of Education and made available to members of the Legislature upon their request. The report shall detail the findings of the department and shall include recommendations for any changes that should be made in the curriculum offered at each grade level.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.