Mississippi House Bill HB1433

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/23
• Refer: 1/16/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

"Mississippi Senior Cadets Program"; require State Department of Education to establish.

Impact

The bill's impact on existing state laws includes the amendment of Section 37-106-29 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, which concerns education and financial assistance programs. Notably, the provisions set by the bill aim to enhance the educational experiences of both senior mentors and the younger students they guide. The program may provide senior students with practical experiences that could also boost their own academic achievements and engagement in school activities.

Summary

House Bill 1433 establishes the 'Mississippi Senior Cadets Program' aimed at decreasing poor academic performance and high dropout rates among students in Mississippi. This initiative encourages high school seniors to mentor younger students from kindergarten through eighth grade. By fostering this relationship, the program intends to create a supportive academic environment that may improve educational outcomes across the state. The State Department of Education is tasked with creating the necessary regulations and guidelines to administer the program effectively.

Contention

While the bill presents a positive outlook on educational reform and student engagement, potential points of contention may arise from the expectations placed on senior students. The requirement to maintain at least a 'C' average and to dedicate a minimum of five hours a week to mentoring may be challenging for some students. Moreover, the program's success could depend heavily on the commitment of school district administrations to effectively implement the mentoring structure, which may vary across different areas.