MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2006 Regular Session

To: Education

By: Representative Brown, Weathersby, Lott, Montgomery

House Bill 214

(As Passed the House)

AN ACT TO REQUIRE THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO DESIGN CURRICULUM CHOICES FOR STUDENTS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN DIRECT ENTRY INTO THE WORKFORCE IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

     SECTION 1.  The State Department of Education shall design curriculum choices within the current requirements for a high school diploma for students who are interested in direct entry into the workforce immediately following high school graduation.  It is the intent of the Legislature that the curriculum for this program be rigorous, meeting the requirements based on research outlining the skills needed for entry into the workforce.  The program shall comply with the federal No Child Left Behind Act.  The department shall design the program for entering ninth graders beginning with the 2007-2008 school year.  The department shall report to the Legislature on January 1, 2007, on its plan for the program.  Students who choose the curriculum under the program will receive a standard diploma.

     SECTION 2.  Section 1 of this act shall be codified as a new section in Chapter 3, Title 37, Mississippi Code of 1972.

     SECTION 3.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2006.