MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2021 Regular Session
To: Education
By: Senator(s) Simmons (13th), Chassaniol, Barnett, Thomas, Blount, Simmons (12th), Jackson (32nd), Norwood
AN ACT TO CREATE THE "T INITIATIVE OF 2021"; TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SHALL DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT A PROGRAM TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES TO STUDENTS FOR VIRTUAL LEARNING; TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROVIDE SCHOOLS WITH ACCESS TO HIGH-SPEED BROADBAND INTERNET IN RURAL CRITICAL INTERNET SHORTAGE AREAS; TO IMPLEMENT A PROGRAM TO TRACK AND MONITOR STUDENT'S PROGRESS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC; TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SHALL ASSIST SCHOOLS IN PROVIDING TUTORING FOR STUDENTS IN VIRTUAL LEARNING; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. This act shall be known and may be cited as the "T Initiative of 2021."
SECTION 2. The Department of Education shall develop and implement a program to provide additional resources for students to complete coursework and participate in class through virtual learning.
SECTION 3. As part of this program, the department shall provide schools with access to high-speed broadband internet in rural areas that are designated as critical internet shortage areas by the department.
SECTION 4. The department shall develop and implement a tracking system to compile and report enrollment and academic success for students who may have dropped out of school because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
SECTION 5. The department shall provide assistance to schools to ensure students have any tutoring necessary as a result of the challenges presented due to distance learning or virtual learning.
SECTION 6. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2021.