Assistant teachers; provide "C," "D" and "F" districts with additional positions.
Impact
The legislation proposes to require school districts to allocate funds specifically for employing assistant teachers, with minimum salary stipulations to ensure competitive wages. The bill elaborates that no less than a high school diploma and demonstrable proficiency in reading and writing is required for assistant teachers and stipulates specific roles they may fill within the classroom. Moreover, it emphasizes that the hired assistant teachers are to support licensed educators under their direction, ensuring a proper educational framework without overstepping established teaching protocols.
Summary
Senate Bill 2755 aims to amend Section 37-21-7 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, enhancing support for early childhood education by providing funding for additional assistant teachers in 'C,' 'D,' and 'F' rated school districts. The bill is designed to aid these districts specifically in meeting their educational needs by utilizing assistant teachers to assist licensed teachers in grades K-3, thereby reinforcing critical educational development at a foundational level. It mandates that each district implementing the program will focus on enhancing basic skills in students through improved teacher support.
Contention
A point of contention surrounding SB2755 revolves around the employment flexibility of these assistant teachers and whether utilizing these funds for licensed teachers instead could improve teacher-student ratios. Additionally, the bill outlines rigorous accountability measures, including mandatory training sessions and performance evaluations, which some opponents may view as additional bureaucratic layers that could complicate implementation in districts already struggling with funding and staffing shortages.