Mississippi House Bill HB1385

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/22
• Refer: 1/17/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Technical and vocational curriculum; require SDE to develop as alternative to college preparatory curriculum.

Impact

The establishment of this technical and vocational track curriculum is expected to have a significant impact on state education policies, particularly in how high school education is structured for students not planning to attend college. By introducing a pathway that is not purely academic, the bill aims to ensure that students are equipped with the practical skills required in the job market. Additionally, those earning a diploma through this track will be granted the same rights and privileges as their peers graduating from college preparatory programs, which is crucial for maintaining educational equity.

Summary

House Bill 1385 mandates the Mississippi State Department of Education to create an alternative technical and vocational curriculum aimed at students who do not intend to pursue a baccalaureate degree. This curriculum is required to focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, emphasizing the application of these knowledge areas to essential technical skills necessary for vocational occupations. The goal of this bill is to better prepare students for the workforce or further post-secondary training in technical fields, by providing a rigorous educational path tailored to their career aspirations.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB1385 is the debate over the balance of academic versus vocational education. Supporters advocate for a diversified educational system that offers students multiple avenues for success, while critics may argue that focusing too heavily on vocational training could detract from broader educational goals. Moreover, the bill stipulates that students wishing to pursue a baccalaureate degree may need to engage in remediation courses, which raises questions about the adequacy of the proposed technical curriculum in preparing students for higher academic demands.