AN ACT TO ESTABLISH A MOTIVATING PARENTS AND CHILDREN (M.P.A.C.) PILOT PROGRAM WITHIN THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAKING GRANTS TO SCHOOL DISTRICTS THAT PROVIDE PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT SERVICES TO FAMILIES OF COMPULSORY-SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN; TO SET FORTH THE PURPOSES OF THE M.P.A.C. PILOT PROGRAM; TO AUTHORIZE THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT THE M.P.A.C. PILOT PROGRAM; TO PRESCRIBE THE BASIC COMPONENTS OF SERVICES TO BE OFFERED BY SCHOOL DISTRICTS UNDER THE M.P.A.C. PILOT PROGRAM; TO PROVIDE AN APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURE FOR SCHOOL DISTRICTS PARTICIPATING IN THE M.P.A.C. PILOT PROGRAM; TO AMEND SECTION 37-11-53, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE PARENTS TO ATTEND CONFERENCES AND OTHER FUNCTIONS OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS PARTICIPATING IN THE M.P.A.C. PILOT PROGRAM; TO AMEND SECTION 63-1-10, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT CHILDREN UNDER 18 RESIDING IN SCHOOL DISTRICTS PARTICIPATING IN THE M.P.A.C. PILOT PROGRAM WHO WITHDRAW FROM SCHOOL MAY HAVE THEIR DRIVER'S LICENSE SUSPENDED; TO AMEND SECTION 63-1-46, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO EXEMPT SUCH MINORS FROM LICENSE REINSTATEMENT FEES; TO AMEND SECTION 63-1-53, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, IN CONFORMITY TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
Impact
The bill modifies existing legislation to impose requirements on parents to attend school conferences and events in districts that participate in the M.P.A.C. program. Moreover, it introduces penalties, such as the suspension of a child's driver's license, if they withdraw from school, thereby fostering accountability and encouraging regular school attendance. This legislation aims to combat the fragmentation of support services currently faced by families and aims to create a more collaborative environment between schools, families, and community organizations.
Summary
House Bill 219, known as the Motivating Parents and Children (M.P.A.C.) pilot program, aims to establish a framework for enhancing parental involvement in the education of compulsory-school-age children across Mississippi. The bill facilitates grants to school districts for developing local programs intended to improve educational outcomes and reduce juvenile crime by ensuring that families actively participate in their children's schooling. The M.P.A.C. program will require participating districts to coordinate various services aimed at supporting at-risk students and their families.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HB 219 include concerns over the potential burden it places on families, particularly those who may struggle to engage in school activities due to socio-economic constraints. Critics argue that mandating parental attendance and linking it to youth penalties could disproportionately affect underprivileged families, while proponents claim that increased parental engagement is essential for fostering student success and combating issues like school failure and criminal behavior.