MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2001 Regular Session

To: Education

By: Representative Lott

AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO ESTABLISH A VOCATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM THROUGH WHICH STUDENTS MAY RECEIVE CREDITS TOWARD GRADUATION FOR VOCATIONAL EXPERIENCE; TO PROVIDE THAT STUDENTS IN THE VOCATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM SHALL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE CORE CURRICULUM DEFINED BY THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND MAY EARN ADDITIONAL CREDITS FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE VOCATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. (1) The school board of a local school district, in its discretion, may establish and implement a vocational apprenticeship program in the high schools in that district through which students may earn high school units for vocational experience as an alternative to those high school units required by the school district in addition to the core curriculum defined by the State Board of Education. The purpose of a vocational apprenticeship program established pursuant to this section shall be to provide those students with skills and training that will lead to gainful employment in a trade or other specialized vocation.

(2) Students who participate in the vocational apprenticeship program shall be required to complete all high school units comprising the core curriculum, as defined by the State Board of Education. In addition, a student in the vocational apprenticeship program may be awarded credit for an additional eight (8) high school units earned through the vocational apprenticeship program, which units shall apply toward, and must be recognized by the State Board of Education in fulfillment of, the local school district's graduation requirements. Units may be awarded in the vocational apprenticeship program, whereby a student gains actual work experience through employment in a job approved by the local school district. The local school district shall adopt policies governing the participation of students in the vocational apprenticeship program.

(3) Students successfully completing a vocational apprenticeship program established pursuant to this section are entitled to a diploma evidencing graduation from a high school in Mississippi.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2001.