Mississippi House Bill HB474

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/23
• Refer: 1/13/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

End-of-course assessments; remove mandatory requirement of passing score as a condition of graduation.

Impact

The bill significantly alters the landscape of academic standards within Mississippi schools, particularly as it relates to student testing and graduation requirements. By eliminating the pass requirement for end-of-course assessments, the legislation could lead to increased graduation rates among students who might have struggled with standardized testing but have otherwise met necessary academic standards. Local school boards will be prohibited from using these tests as determinants of minimum academic mastery, thus granting them the flexibility to modify graduation criteria in alignment with the new state law.

Summary

House Bill 474 seeks to amend the existing educational regulations in Mississippi by removing the requirement for students to achieve a passing score on end-of-course tests as a condition for high school graduation. The bill outlines that beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, students who complete the requisite number of academic credits and demonstrate satisfactory mastery in their courses will be eligible for graduation, regardless of their performance on standardized tests. This change aligns with federal mandates under the Every Student Succeeds Act, which requires some form of student assessment but allows flexibility regarding what metrics determine graduation eligibility.

Contention

While supporters of HB 474 argue that it promotes equity and provides a pathway for students who might otherwise be left behind, critics voice concerns about potential dilution of academic standards. The debate centers on balancing the need for rigorous academic expectations against the realities faced by students in varying educational environments. Detractors of the bill warn that without stringent testing requirements, there is a risk of compromising the quality of education and preparedness of graduates entering the workforce or higher education.