MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Education

By: Senator(s) Smith

AN ACT TO REQUIRE TEACHERS APPLYING FOR CERTIFICATION TO TEACH IN GRADES K-4 TO COMPLETE A PROGRAM OF INSTRUCTION IN ALL READING METHODS FOR THE PUPILS IN SAID GRADES, ACCORDING TO STANDARDS SET FORTH BY THE COLLEGE BOARD AND THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. For persons applying for certification to teach in Mississippi Kindergarten through Grade 4 after July 1, 1999, such certification shall require the completion of a program of instruction addressing all reading methods for pupils in Kindergarten through Grade 4, in accordance with standards set forth by the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning and the State Board of Education.

It shall be a requirement for any person to be certified as a teacher in Mississippi that the person meet and comply with the requirements set forth in the foregoing part of this section.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1999.