MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Education; Appropriations

By: Senator(s) Nunnelee

AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE AND DIRECT THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO DEVELOP A MENTORING PILOT PROGRAM UNDER WHICH LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS THROUGHOUT MISSISSIPPI WILL ESTABLISH MENTORING PROGRAMS FOCUSING ON SUPPORTING CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN SCHOOL-BASED SETTINGS; TO SET CRITERIA FOR SUCH MENTORING PROGRAMS; TO PROVIDE FOR AN ASSESSMENT PROCESS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. (1) The State Department of Education is authorized and directed to establish up to eight (8) pilot programs to involve school districts across Mississippi in developing effective mentoring services in local elementary and middle schools. One (1) pilot program shall be established in each Mississippi Congressional District and three (3) in the state-at-large, one (1) of which shall be located in an urban school district and one (1) of which shall be located in a district having a Level 1 or Level 2 accreditation. The school district mentoring pilot programs will support schools and their mentoring programs by providing recruitment of volunteer mentors, mentor training, support for the mentoring activities and quality control to assure that the children of Mississippi receive the highest standard of mentoring. Such services will be provided through a central state office and regional service centers strategically located throughout the state.

(2) The goals of the program are to build confidence, and competence among students needing the support of a caring role model. Studies show that the bond between mentor and mentee reduces the likelihood of substance abuse, skipping school and the

use of violence as well as increasing a child's school performance and positive family ties. Mentoring services shall consist of screened adult or high school volunteers regularly meeting on a one-to-one basis with elementary or middle school students at the school during or after school hours. Mentors and mentees meet for activities connected to increasing school success, tutoring, and conversations allowing the child to grow in confidence and self-understanding. The programs will screen mentors and match students with their prospective mentors. Mentoring services will be developed in partnership with school staff, corporations, civic and religious groups and nonprofit organizations. The State Department of Education shall develop, in cooperation with national mentoring initiatives, an assessment process in which the children involved will be assessed for impact in the areas of academic performance and youth development.

(3) The State Department of Education shall provide to the Legislature an annual report reflecting school districts involved, number of mentoring relationships and growth of the mentees in the areas of academic performance and youth development.

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