AN ACT TO AMEND SECTIONS 37-16-3 AND 37-16-9, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH ARE PROVISIONS OF THE STATEWIDE TESTING PROGRAM, TO REQUIRE THE UNIFORM BASIC SKILLS TESTS TO BE ADMINISTERED IN THE PRIMARY SPOKEN LANGUAGE OF STUDENTS IDENTIFIED AS ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS; TO REQUIRE THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO TRANSLATE AND PRINT THE ASSESSMENTS IN THE APPROPRIATE LANGUAGE FOR THE APPROPRIATE GRADE LEVELS; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN NEED WITH TESTING OBSERVERS OR PROCTORS CAPABLE OF PROVIDING TRANSLATION ASSISTANCE TO STUDENTS IDENTIFIED AS ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS; TO REQUIRE SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO REQUEST THE NEED FOR TRANSLATION ASSISTANCE WITHIN A REASONABLE PERIOD BEFORE THE ADMINISTRATION OF APPLICABLE ASSESSMENTS; TO REQUIRE SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO REPORT TO THE DEPARTMENT THE NUMBER OF, GRADES OF AND PRIMARY SPOKEN LANGUAGES OF ALL ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS ENROLLED IN ITS SCHOOLS; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 37-16-5, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, FOR PURPOSES OF POSSIBLE AMENDMENT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
Impact
The implementation of HB98 is significant as it aims to improve educational equity for ELL students by allowing them to take assessments in their native languages. Furthermore, the bill requires schools to report detailed data on the languages spoken by their ELL student populations, thereby enhancing transparency regarding the needs of these students. This can potentially lead to a more tailored approach in educational strategies used to support non-native English speakers, positively affecting their learning outcomes.
Summary
House Bill 98 amends sections of the Mississippi Code of 1972 regarding the statewide testing program. The bill mandates that uniform basic skills tests be administered in the primary spoken language of students identified as English language learners (ELLs). It requires the State Department of Education to translate and print assessments in appropriate languages corresponding to the students' designated grade levels. The bill also stipulates that testing observers or proctors capable of translation assistance are to be provided to schools that request it, ensuring that ELL students can access assessments in a manner that reflects their actual achievements.
Conclusion
Overall, HB98 reflects a commitment to accommodating diverse learning needs within Mississippi's public education system. By mandating testing in the primary languages of ELL students, the bill seeks to create an inclusive educational environment. However, careful attention will be necessary to address the challenges posed by its execution to maximize benefits for ELL students while maintaining assessment integrity.
Contention
Some notable points of contention surrounding HB98 may include concerns about the practicalities of implementation, particularly regarding the availability of resources for translation and the training of testing observers. Opponents might argue that these requirements could place additional burdens on already under-resourced schools. Additionally, there may be debates regarding the timing of the testing and how translation impacts the integrity and validity of assessment results. Ensuring that tests remain fair and reliable while accommodating language differences is a crucial consideration.
Relating to the authority of the Wood County Central Hospital District of Wood County, Texas, to provide brain and memory care services to residents of the hospital district through the creation and operation of brain and memory health care services districts.