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H. B. No. 162 *HR31/R1181* ~ OFFICIAL ~ G1/2
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To: Education
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE REGULAR SESSION 2026
By: Representative Scott
HOUSE BILL NO. 162
AN ACT TO IMPROVE MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE INSTRUCTION IN 1
MISSISSIPPI'S PUBLIC MIDDLE SCHOOLS THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT AND 2
ADOPTION OF NEW LEARNING STANDARDS; TO REQUIRE MIDDLE SCHOOL 3
PROGRAMS, DIRECTLY OR IN COOPERATION WITH COMMUNITY COLLEGES OR 4
OTHER SCHOOL DISTRICTS, TO ENHANCE THE COLLEGE ENTRANCE AND WORK 5
OPPORTUNITY POSSIBILITIES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. 6
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI: 7
SECTION 1. The Legislature finds that significant 8
efforts are under way to improve mathematics and science 9
instruction in Mississippi's public schools through development 10
and adoption of new learning standards, identification of aligned 11
curriculum and expanded opportunities for professional development 12
for teachers. A significant emphasis also has been placed on 13
improving career and technical education programs focused on 14
high-demand programs. Middle schools successfully have served 15
students in career and technical programs rich in science, 16
technology, engineering and mathematics. The Legislature 17
concludes that opportunities for hands-on and applied learning in 18
these programs should be extended to middle school students on an 19
ongoing, statewide basis so that all students are prepared to take 20
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advantage of more advanced coursework in high school and 21
postsecondary education. 22
SECTION 2. (1) All public middle schools shall provide a 23
program, directly or in cooperation with a community or junior 24
college or another school district, for students whose educational 25
plans include application for entrance to a baccalaureate-granting 26
institution after being granted a high school diploma. The 27
program must be designed to help these students meet at least the 28
minimum college entrance requirements. 29
(2) All middle schools of the state shall provide a program, 30
directly or in cooperation with a community or junior college, 31
skills center, apprenticeship program or another school district, 32
for students who plan to pursue career or work opportunities other 33
than entrance to a baccalaureate-granting institution after being 34
granted a high school diploma. These programs must: 35
(a) Help students demonstrate the application of 36
essential academic learning requirements to the world of work, 37
occupation-specific skills, knowledge of more than one (1) career 38
in a chosen pathway, and employability and leadership skills; and 39
(b) Help students demonstrate the knowledge and skill 40
needed to prepare for industry certification or matriculation to 41
postsecondary education and training programs. 42
(3) A middle school that receives approval from the State 43
Department of Education to provide a career and technical program 44
in science, technology, engineering or mathematics directly to 45
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ST: Mathematics and science instruction;
enhance through new middle school programs.
students shall receive necessary funding to operate this program. 46
Additionally, a middle school that provides a hands-on experience 47
in science, technology, engineering or mathematics with an 48
integrated curriculum of academic content and career and technical 49
education which includes a career and technical education 50
exploratory component also shall qualify for career and technical 51
education funding. 52
SECTION 3. This act shall take effect and be in force from 53
and after July 1, 2026. 54