College and Career Readiness Planning Program; create for administration of pre-ACT assessments in public schools.
The bill mandates that public schools administer certain standardized assessments—specifically the pre-ACT assessments—for eighth and tenth graders starting from the 2025-2026 academic year. This initiative is aimed at providing early benchmarks for student performance on college readiness exams, which can inform educational strategies and support tailored guidance for students. By using these assessments, schools can track student progress, improve academic achievement, and better prepare students for successful transitions into postsecondary education or the workforce.
House Bill 373 proposes the establishment of the College and Career Readiness Planning Program in Mississippi. The goal of this bill is to lower educational costs, reduce the time it takes students to complete their degrees, and enhance overall student success by minimizing the need for remediation courses. It highlights the significant challenges faced by students who enter college unprepared for the demands of higher education, typically necessitating enrollment in noncredit remedial programs that can prolong educational journeys and incur additional costs.
While the bill is largely framed as a means to improve educational outcomes, there are inherent challenges associated with standardized testing and accountability measures. Critics may argue that the focus on assessments could lead to teaching to the test rather than fostering a holistic academic environment. Moreover, the implementation of this program will require adequate funding and resources, particularly for at-risk students, to ensure equitable opportunities for success across diverse school districts in Mississippi. Ensuring these assessments enhance learning without compromising educational quality will be a key concern as the program develops.