End-of-course assessments; remove mandatory requirement of passing score as a condition of graduation.
The implementation of this bill is expected to significantly alter how high school graduation is determined in Mississippi. By removing end-of-course assessments as a mandatory hurdle, the legislation aims to provide greater flexibility for students and potentially reduce dropout rates. The approach emphasizes fulfilling course requirements and educational standards over standardized testing performance, which advocates believe will better cater to diverse student learning styles and needs. This effective change may prompt school districts to adapt their instructional strategies accordingly.
House Bill 120 aims to remove the requirement for Mississippi students to achieve a passing score on end-of-course tests as a condition for graduation. The bill stipulates that beginning in the 2022-2023 school year, public school students will not need to pass any end-of-course assessments administered under the Subject Area Testing Program to graduate if they have fulfilled other graduation requirements, such as completing the requisite number of academic credits or Carnegie units. The act emphasizes that while tests will still be administered, they will not affect a student's eligibility for graduation.
However, the bill has not been without controversy. Opponents argue that this removal of testing requirements could lower academic standards and diminish the quality of education. Critics within the education community express concerns that without objective assessments, it may be challenging to ensure students are actually mastering the essential academic skills necessary for their future endeavors. Proponents of the bill contend it is crucial to avoid putting undue pressure on students who may excel in coursework but struggle with standardized tests, arguing that this change reflects a needed evolution in educational policy tailored to student needs.