Free online tutoring services; require State Department of Education to post announcement on website about.
Impact
The enactment of this bill is expected to improve student access to academic support across the state. By mandating districts and charter schools to mirror this online announcement on their own websites, HB1004 promotes transparency and awareness of available educational resources. Additionally, it requires school districts to communicate the availability of these services to parents and students, thereby enhancing engagement and proactivity in seeking academic assistance. This structured communication could significantly benefit students in need of tutoring, especially in critical transitional phases of education, such as moving from elementary to middle school or from middle to high school.
Summary
House Bill 1004 requires the State Department of Education in Mississippi to prominently announce the availability of free online tutoring services on its website. The bill emphasizes the necessity of making this information easily accessible to parents, students, and educators. The online tutoring services are designed to be available 24/7, ensuring immediate assistance for homework and the ability to schedule tutoring sessions at convenient times, including evenings and weekends. The provision also addresses the needs of English learners and students with special needs, guaranteeing that the online platform accommodates diverse learning requirements.
Contention
While the bill aims to support students academically, some discussions may revolve around the operational implications for school districts and the State Department of Education. Questions could arise about the allocation of resources to handle the online tutoring services effectively and whether the legislation imposes undue burden on smaller districts with limited technology capabilities. Furthermore, the success of this initiative may depend heavily on the public's awareness and utilization of the services, raising concerns about potential gaps in communication and outreach efforts.
Requires four-year public institutions of higher education to provide on website certain information on online degree students and graduate degree students.