MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Education

By: Representative Scott (80th)

AN ACT TO ESTABLISH A PILOT PROGRAM AUTHORIZING LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS 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 UNDER WHICH SCHOOL DISTRICTS MAY APPLY FOR PARTICIPATION IN THIS PILOT PROGRAM; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. (1) There is established a pilot program, to be administered by the State Department of Education, under which the school boards of participating school districts shall require the teachers under their control to have all pupils in Grades 1-12 read a minimum of four (4) books per school year, in addition to regular textbook requirements, and to make satisfactory book reports thereon. The State Board of Education shall receive and review applications for this pilot program and may approve applications from up to ten (10) local school districts throughout the state, with at least one (1) pilot program to be approved in Sunflower, Bolivar and Jasper Counties, respectively, unless there are no applications submitted from the school districts within those counties. At least three (3) approved school districts shall have an accreditation level of three (3) or below at the time the district submits its application unless there are no applications submitted from such school districts.

(2) The State Department of Education is 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, 1999.