MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2002 Regular Session

To: Education

By: Representative Straughter

House Bill 895

AN ACT TO CREATE A PILOT PROJECT TO TEACH ANGER MANAGEMENT CLASSES IN K-12; TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SHALL PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR THE PILOT PROJECT; TO PROVIDE FOR A REPORT TO THE LEGISLATURE ON THE PILOT PROJECT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

     SECTION 1.  (1)  The State Department of Education shall establish a pilot project in one (1) school district in each congressional district to teach anger management classes in grades K-12.  The classes shall instruct students on methods regarding the causes of anger and how to control anger without resorting to violent or abusive behavior.  The department shall provide any necessary textbooks, materials and other instructional tools as well as specialized instruction personnel to enable the classes in the pilot project to achieve the goal of an anger-free environment in the classroom.        

     (2)  The State Department of Education shall report to the Legislature not later than December 1, 2005, detailing the progress of the pilot project.  The report shall include recommendations as to the feasibility of the pilot project and whether the project should be expanded to include anger management classes in every school district in the state.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2002.