House Bill 834

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 37-3-99, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION TO DEVELOP A PILOT PROGRAM TO REDESIGN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN MISSISSIPPI TO FUNCTION AS WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT CENTERS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Section 37-3-99, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

37-3-99. 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 * * *. 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.

The State Board of Education shall develop and pilot a program to redesign secondary schools in Mississippi to function not only as curriculum and educational entities but also as workforce development centers. Contingent upon appropriations, the State Board of Education shall pilot a minimum of fifteen (15) sites to be selected through a process developed by the State Board of Education and to be implemented during the 2007-2008 school year.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2007.