Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

Mississippi House Bill HB1048

Introduced
1/17/22  
Refer
1/17/22  

Caption

Compulsory school age; revise definition to include children who attain the age of five years before September 1.

Impact

The bill is expected to have significant impacts on state education laws by formalizing expectations regarding early childhood education. It aims to ensure that children begin their formal education at a younger age, which can contribute to improved academic outcomes. Furthermore, it underscores the state’s commitment to enhancing educational access and ensuring that families are held accountable for their children’s school attendance. By defining and enforcing compulsory school age, the bill seeks to strengthen attendance protocols and reduce absenteeism.

Summary

House Bill 1048 aims to amend the Mississippi Compulsory School Attendance Law by revising the definition of 'compulsory-school-age child' to include those who will turn five before September 1. This amendment effectively mandates earlier enrollment in school for children reaching this age, emphasizing the importance of early education in a child's development. With this change, parents will be required to enroll their children in a full-day public school kindergarten program once they reach the age of five before the specified date.

Contention

While supporters argue that requiring older enrollments will provide children with critical learning opportunities, opponents might raise concerns over parental choice and the readiness of younger children for formal schooling. Critics may argue that the law could overlook the individual needs of children, as some may not be developmentally prepared for kindergarten at age five. Additionally, questions regarding the resources available for expanded kindergarten programs and the implications for parents who may choose alternative education routes could be contentious points during discussions surrounding the bill. Overall, HB1048 reflects an effort to centralize education policy, which may lead to debates on the effectiveness and impact of such standardizations on local educational frameworks.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS HB887

Compulsory school age; revise definition to include children who attain the age of five years before September 1.

MS HB805

Compulsory school age; revise definition to include children who attain the age of five years before September 1.

MS HB343

Compulsory-school-age child; revise definition of by increasing required age to 18 years.

MS HB169

Compulsory-school-age child; revise definition of by increasing required age to 18 years.

MS HB191

Compulsory-school-age child; revise definition of by increasing required age to 18 years.

MS HB651

Compulsory School Attendance Law; rename as the "Kindergarten Increases Diplomas (KIDs) Act," and lower compulsory age to five years.

MS SB2578

Compulsory school attendance law; require of kindergarten-age children.

MS SB2326

Compulsory school attendance law; require of kindergarten-age children.

MS SB2615

Compulsory school attendance law; require of kindergarten-age children.

MS SB2703

Kindergarten-age children; require compulsory school attendance for all.

Similar Bills

MS HB887

Compulsory school age; revise definition to include children who attain the age of five years before September 1.

MS HB652

Excused absence; permit for students participating in roping or barrel horse racing events.

MS HB1358

Excused absences; permit for students participating in roping or barrel horse events.

MS HB1318

Excused absence; permit for students participating in roping or barrel horse events.

MS SB2824

Elections; allow an excused absence for compulsory-school-age children to serve as poll workers on election day.

MS SB2703

Kindergarten-age children; require compulsory school attendance for all.

MS SB2163

Kindergarten-age children; require compulsory school attendance for all.

MS HB343

Compulsory-school-age child; revise definition of by increasing required age to 18 years.