Mississippi House Bill HB227

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/4/23
• Refer: 1/4/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

Visual art and music education; require instruction of in public schools as a part of the curriculum.

Impact

The bill directs the State Department of Education to allocate a stipend of no less than $500 per class for each school, which will be used to purchase necessary supplies or equipment for the art and music instruction. This funding is contingent upon legislative appropriations, highlighting a reliance on state support to implement the requirements effectively. Additionally, the bill modifies Section 37-7-301 of the Mississippi Code to update the powers of local school boards in regard to implementing these educational mandates. This amendment signifies a shift towards enhancing arts education at the local level while granting school boards more defined responsibilities in curriculum oversight.

Summary

House Bill 227 mandates the inclusion of visual art and music instruction in the public education curriculum for elementary schools in Mississippi. It requires each public elementary school to provide at least forty minutes per week of visual art and music instruction for students in Grades 1 through 6. The bill emphasizes the importance of arts education in fostering creativity and cultural understanding among young students. Moreover, it stipulates that children with disabilities or special needs should also be included in these arts programs, thereby promoting inclusivity in educational opportunities.

Contention

There could be potential contention regarding the funding and implementation of the stipends, as it is dependent on state appropriations. Schools may face challenges in securing the necessary resources, particularly if budget constraints restrict available funding for arts education programs. Additionally, discussions may arise around the prioritization of arts education compared to other academic subjects, with concerns from some stakeholders about balancing the curriculum to ensure adequate instructional time for core subjects alongside the new requirements for art and music classes.