High school curriculum; require SBE to develop for instruction in civics and home economics.
Impact
The legislation also amends existing laws pertaining to home economics education by mandating that this curriculum includes coursework focusing on responsible parenting and family living skills. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of understanding children's growth and development, incorporating elements of nutrition and health. These curricula are expected to fill essential educational gaps, preparing students for real-world responsibilities as they approach adulthood.
Summary
House Bill 849 mandates the State Board of Education in Mississippi to develop and implement a civics curriculum alongside a home economics curriculum in public high schools. The civics curriculum aims to equip students with critical knowledge and skills vital for the responsibilities of citizenship within the framework of the U.S. constitutional democracy. The implementation is required by the 2023-2024 school year, signifying a push for enhanced civic education among high school students.
Contention
A critical aspect of the bill is the requirement for state funding to be allocated sufficiently to ensure that each high school employs at least one instructor for home economics. This provision acknowledges an ongoing distinction within educational funding, potentially sparking debates on resource allocation and prioritization of subjects deemed essential versus those considered supplementary. Some may argue that this reflects an outdated emphasis on home economics in a rapidly changing educational landscape, while proponents assert it is crucial for fostering practical life skills.