State Department of Education; require to conduct sampling of material used on the U.S. History end-of-course assessment.
Impact
This legislation, if passed, requires the Department of Education to analyze the questionnaire material utilized in past assessments. The evaluation aims to ascertain whether the historical content being taught is both legitimate and necessary for the continuation of the end-of-course assessment, effectively influencing the framework of history education within Mississippi. A report outlining the findings and recommendations must be submitted to the relevant educational authorities by December 1, 2022.
Summary
House Bill 408 mandates the State Department of Education to conduct a detailed data sampling of questionnaire material related to the United States History end-of-course assessment for public school students for the academic years spanning from 2014-2015 to 2018-2019. The primary aim of this bill is to ensure that the content taught in U.S. history classes aligns with the state's academic standards and to validate the accuracy and appropriateness of that content.
Contention
One notable point of contention surrounding HB 408 might arise from debates over historical revisionism, as the bill explicitly states that the content evaluated should not promote such biases. This introduces a potential risk of ideological disputes regarding what constitutes legitimate historical perspectives and educational material, indicating that the bill could provoke discussions on academic freedom and educational standards.
Notable_points
Furthermore, the bill's stipulation to evaluate the alignment of assessment content with state standards may lead to reevaluation or alteration of current curricula. Stakeholders, including educators and policymakers, may engage in rigorous discussions concerning the implications of this legislation on how history is taught in the state, reflecting broader societal conversations on education and historical narratives.
Districts of Innovations; require State Department of Education to recognize use of Cambridge Assessment or other nationally recognized assessment for accountability ratings.
Relating to eliminating the state-required assessment instrument in social studies and the United States history end-of-course assessment instrument and to establishing a pilot program to develop a portfolio method to assess student performance in those courses.