MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2001 Regular Session

To: Education; Appropriations

By: Senator(s) Johnson (19th)

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 37-3-79, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO DIRECT THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION TO REQUIRE JAZZ EDUCATION CLASSES IN GRADES KINDERGARTEN THROUGH 12 AND JAZZ PERFORMANCE CLASSES IN GRADES 6 THROUGH 12 BEGINNING WITH THE 2001-2002 SCHOOL YEAR; TO PROVIDE FOR A CURRICULUM COORDINATOR OF JAZZ MUSIC; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Section 37-3-79, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

37-3-79. (1) The State Department of Education shall employ a Curriculum Coordinator of Music and Art Education who holds certification as a music and/or art teacher. The coordinator's responsibilities shall include the oversight of the elementary music/art programs as well as secondary programs.

(2) Beginning with the 2001-2002 school year, the State Board of Education shall, for purposes of accreditation, require all school districts to offer and require attendance in age appropriate jazz music education classes in Grades K through 12 and jazz music performance classes in Grades 6 through 12. The State Department of Education shall employ a Curriculum Coordinator of Jazz Music Education and Performance who holds certification as a music educator or a bachelor's degree in applied music. The coordinator's responsibilities shall include the oversight of the jazz music education and jazz music performance programs in the appropriate grades.

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