MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Education; Appropriations

By: Senator(s) Ferris

AN ACT TO PROVIDE AN ALLOTMENT OF FUNDS UNDER THE MINIMUM EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR THE PURPOSE OF EMPLOYING ARTS EDUCATION INSTRUCTORS IN GRADES 9-12 IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS; TO DEFINE "ARTS EDUCATION"; TO AUTHORIZE THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION'S CURRICULUM COORDINATOR OF MUSIC AND ART EDUCATION TO SUPERVISE SUCH ARTS EDUCATION PROGRAM; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. 

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

SECTION 1. (1) For purposes of this section, "arts education" means instruction in the visual arts, music and dramatic arts.

(2) Beginning with the 1997-1998 school year, in addition to other funds allotted under the minimum education program, each school district shall be allotted sufficient funding to employ one (1) arts education instructor for every six hundred (600) pupils in average daily attendance in Grades 9-12 in such school district. Provided, however, that no school district's allotment shall be less than the funds necessary to employ one (1) arts education instructor. The State Department of Education may increase the number of positions funded each year beyond the above requirements as more funding is made available.

(3) The assignment of such arts education instructors to the particular high school shall be at the discretion of the local school district with the following restrictions:

(a) The arts instructor/student ratio shall be no greater than 1:600; and

(b) No individual shall be employed as an arts education instructor without appropriate training and certification by the State Department of Education.

(4) To qualify for minimum program funding, high school arts education instructors shall be full-time professional personnel, shall spend at least seventy-five percent (75%) of work time in a direct arts instruction with pupils, and shall devote no more than one-fourth (1/4) of the work day to administrative activities which are arts education related.

(5) Nothing in this act shall prohibit any school district from employing with local funds more arts education instructors than are provided for in this act.

(6) The State Department of Education's Curriculum Coordinator of Music and Art Education, established under Section 37-3-79, Mississippi Code of 1972, shall have responsibilities which include the oversight of new high school arts education programs funded under this act.

(7) The State Department of Education may adopt rules and regulations regarding the activities of the arts education instructors.

SECTION 2. All new programs authorized in this act are subject to the availability of funds specifically appropriated therefor by the Legislature.

SECTION 3. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1997.