High school curriculum; require SBE to develop for instruction in civics and home economics.
In addition to the civics curriculum, HB66 also amends Section 37-13-151 of the Mississippi Code to require the development of a home economics curriculum for high school students. This curriculum aims to cover vital areas such as responsible parenting and family living skills. The home economics program is expected to provide students with an understanding of children's developmental needs—physical, mental, emotional, and social—as well as crucial insights into nutrition and health. Furthermore, the bill ensures that funding for home economics instructors is adequately supported.
House Bill 66 mandates the State Board of Education in Mississippi to develop a civics curriculum specifically designed for public high schools. This curriculum is intended to equip students with essential knowledge and skills related to citizenship in a constitutional democracy. The bill establishes that the civics curriculum implementation should take place during the 2025-2026 school year, thereby ensuring that future generations of students are well-informed about their rights and responsibilities as citizens.
A key contention surrounding HB66 arises from its implications for educational resource allocation. While proponents argue that both the civics and home economics curriculums are necessary for providing a well-rounded education, critics may express concerns regarding the logistics of curriculum implementation and teacher recruitment. Additionally, there is potential debate over the prioritization of these subjects in the context of existing educational policies, and whether these changes will detract from other essential academic areas.