Mississippi History and United States Government; require to be included in curriculum for all students in Grades 9-12.
One significant change introduced by HB326 is the discontinuation of the end-of-course subject area test in United States History. Beginning in the 2022-2023 school year, the State Board of Education is directed to eliminate this test, allowing for a shift in assessment focus toward English II, Algebra I, and Biology. This legislative move is intended to streamline the testing processes involved in high school education while still ensuring that students are educated on critical historical contexts necessary for informed citizenship.
House Bill 326 mandates that all students in grades 9 through 12 in Mississippi's public, private, parochial schools, and homeschool programs receive comprehensive instruction in Mississippi History and United States Government. This new requirement aims to enhance students' understanding of the historical and governmental frameworks that shape the state and the country, with a particular emphasis on important socio-political and economic issues that have affected the diverse populations within Mississippi over the years. The legislation promotes the teaching of these subjects on a semester basis and stipulates that they should account for at least one-half (1/2) Carnegie unit towards graduation.
The proposed bill has sparked discussions regarding the implications of revising educational requirements and assessments. Supporters argue that emphasizing comprehensive courses in state history and government will help students develop a stronger sense of civic responsibility and identity. Conversely, critics may raise concerns about the adequacy of resources and instructional time allocated to these new requirements, questioning whether such mandates could potentially strain existing educational frameworks or detract from other essential subjects in the curriculum.