MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Education

By: Senator(s) Farris

AN ACT TO CODIFY SECTION 37-11-54, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO DIRECT THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION TO DEVELOP CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND PEER MEDIATION MODELS AND CURRICULA IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. The following provision shall be codified as Section 37-11-54, Mississippi Code of 1972.

37-11-54. The State Board of Education shall develop a list of recommended conflict resolution and mediation materials, models, and curricula that address responsible decision making, the causes and effects of school violence and harassment, cultural diversity, and nonviolent methods for resolving conflict, including peer mediation, and shall make the list available to local school administrative units and school buildings by the beginning of the 2001-2002 school year. In developing this list the board shall emphasize materials, models and curricula that currently are being used in Mississippi and that the board determines to be effective. The board shall include at least one (1) model that includes instruction and guidance for the voluntary implementation of peer mediation programs and one (1) model that provides instruction and guidance for teachers concerning the integration of conflict resolution and mediation lessons into the existing classroom curriculum.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2000.