Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

Mississippi Senate Bill SB2787

Introduced

1/16/23

Refer

1/16/23

Failed

1/31/23

Caption

Civic literacy requirement for high school students; require before enrolling in college or university in this state.

Impact

The bill introduces significant changes to the existing educational framework by requiring local school boards to develop character education programs for grades K-12. These programs must align with foundational documents of the U.S. and Mississippi, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's civic responsibilities. Moreover, the character development curriculum for students in the 11th and 12th grades will now include specific instructions on voting procedures, including how to use primary and general election ballots. This is intended to foster informed and engaged citizens.

Summary

Senate Bill 2787 aims to enhance the civic literacy requirements for high school students in Mississippi by mandating that they demonstrate competency in civic literacy before enrolling in public community colleges or universities. Starting from the 2024-2025 school year, students will be required to achieve a passing score on a civic literacy assessment and successfully complete a civic literacy course. This initiative is seen as an effort to better prepare students for participation in democracy by providing them with essential knowledge and skills related to civic duties and governance.

Contention

Debate surrounding SB2787 primarily revolves around its implications for educational content and the appropriateness of character education in public schools. Supporters argue that the bill encourages civic engagement and responsibility among youth, while some critics express concerns about how character traits will be defined and measured. There is apprehension that the imposition of these requirements might lead to a one-size-fits-all approach to education that does not consider diverse community needs and student backgrounds. Overall, the bill represents a push towards strengthening civic education but has sparked discussions on the methods and goals of such educational reforms.