School attendance; require for children unable to score a 21 or higher on the ACT until the child reaches 18 years of age.
This bill amends Mississippi's Compulsory School Attendance Law, extending the education commitment for certain children. It establishes that failure to achieve the minimum ACT score can prevent a child from dropping out, thereby enforcing educational participation. Additionally, the law stipulates consequences for parents or guardians of children who do not comply with attendance requirements, thereby seeking to promote accountability in children's education.
House Bill 42 mandates that children under 18 years of age must take the American College Testing (ACT) assessment prior to dropping out of school. If a child does not score at least 21 on the ACT, or 18 if previously enrolled in a failing school (defined as one rated 'D' or 'F'), they are required to continue their education until they reach the age of 18. This legislation aims to enforce educational standards and mitigate the dropout rates among minors.
While the bill aims to bolster educational achievement among youth, it has sparked debate regarding its implications for parental rights and autonomy in educational choices. Critics argue the legislation imposes significant restrictions on families and may not adequately address underlying issues contributing to school dropouts. Supporters, however, assert that the requirement serves a necessary function in ensuring that children are adequately prepared for post-secondary education or employment.