MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Education

By: Senator(s) Simmons

AN ACT TO DIRECT LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS IN THE STATE TO REQUIRE ALL PUPILS IN GRADES 1-12 TO READ A MINIMUM OF FOUR BOOKS PER SCHOOL YEAR AND MAKE REPORTS THEREON; TO AUTHORIZE THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO DEVELOP AND ISSUE GUIDELINES TO SCHOOL DISTRICTS RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS REQUIREMENT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. 

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

SECTION 1. (1) The school boards of the public schools of this state shall require the teachers under their control to have all pupils in Grades 1-12 to read a minimum of four (4) books per school year, in addition to regular textbook requirements, and to make satisfactory book reports thereon.

(2) The State Department of Education is hereby authorized to develop and issue curriculum guidelines to school districts relating to the implementation of the requirements of subsection (1) of this section, including recommendations on age-appropriate books.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1997.