Mississippi History and United States Government; require to be included in curriculum for all students in Grades 9-12.
Impact
The bill also initiates the discontinuation of the end-of-course subject area test in United States History, effective from the 2026-2027 school year. This means the State Board of Education will only require subject area tests for English II, Algebra I, and Biology. This change could relieve students from the pressures of standardized testing in U.S. history, which was previously a requirement for obtaining a high school diploma and played a role in schools' accountability ratings.
Summary
House Bill 148 mandates that comprehensive courses in Mississippi History and United States Government be taught to all students in grades 9 through 12 across public, private, parochial, and homeschool programs. This requirement aims to provide students with a deeper understanding of the historical and political fabric of Mississippi, placing a particular emphasis on the state's diverse ethnic and racial populations and their experiences throughout history. The law requires that these courses be taught on a semester basis, worth half a Carnegie unit each.
Contention
The legislation has sparked discussions regarding the balance between state educational standards and local control over educational curricula. Supporters argue that emphasizing state history enhances students' knowledge about their community and governance while fostering civic responsibility. However, critics may voice concerns about the removal of standardized testing as a measure of educational outcomes and accountability, questioning how that might affect the quality of education in Mississippi.
Changes_to_existing_law
To align with this new requirement, several sections of the Mississippi Code of 1972 will be amended to ensure consistency with the new educational standards. This includes adjustments in academic achievement standards and graduation requirements, ensuring that Mississippi History and Government become integral parts of the high school curriculum moving forward.