House Bill 633

AN ACT TO REQUIRE EACH SCHOOL DISTRICT TO ADOPT, BY SEPTEMBER 1, 2015, A POLICY SUPPORTIVE OF COMMUNITY SERVICE THAT STIPULATES THE COMPLETION OF A MINIMUM OF TWENTY-FIVE COMMUNITY SERVICE OR VOLUNTEER HOURS AS A REQUIRED CONDITION OF HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION; TO PROVIDE THAT SUCH COMMUNITY SERVICE SHALL BE VERIFIED WITH DOCUMENTATION WHICH EVIDENCES A STUDENT'S PARTICIPATION IN SERVICE ORIENTED ACTIVITIES WHICH MEET THE GUIDELINES ESTABLISHED BY THE LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT; TO AUTHORIZE THE LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT TO ESTABLISH ADDITIONAL PARAMETERS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES; TO AMEND SECTION 37-16-7, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, IN CONFORMITY THERETO; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. The Legislature finds that volunteering

connects students to their communities and provides an opportunity for students to practice and apply their academic and social skills in preparation for entering the workforce. Community service can better prepare and inspire students to continue their education beyond high school. Community service is also associated with increased civic awareness and participation by students.

SECTION 2. By September 1, 2015, each school district shall adopt a policy that is supportive of community service and stipulates the completion of a minimum of twenty-five (25) community service or volunteer hours as a required condition of high school graduation, for which recognition or credit is provided to students upon submission of verifiable documentation which evidences a student's participation in such service oriented activities which meet the guidelines established by the school district. School districts may establish additional parameters and requirements for community services, in addition to establishing a form to be used by the entity or organization to whom the services are provided for affirmation of the scope of service and description of a student's participation.

SECTION 3. Section 37-16-7, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

37-16-7. (1) Each district school board shall establish standards for graduation from its schools which shall include as a minimum:

(a) Mastery of minimum academic skills as measured by assessments developed and administered by the State Board of Education.

(b) Completion of a minimum number of academic credits, and all other applicable requirements prescribed by the district school board.

(c) By school, information on high school graduation rates. High schools with graduation rates lower than eighty percent (80%) must submit a detailed plan to the Mississippi Department of Education to restructure the high school experience to improve graduation rates.

(d) Completion of a minimum number of community or volunteer service hours, and all other applicable requirements pertaining thereto prescribed by the district school board in accordance with Section 2 of this act.

(2) A student who meets all requirements prescribed in subsection (1) of this section shall be awarded a standard diploma in a form prescribed by the State Board of Education.

(3) The State Board of Education may establish student proficiency standards for promotion to grade levels leading to graduation.

SECTION 4. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2015.