House Bill 1434: AGENTS of Excellence Proposal Act

February 19, 2025 Bill Tracker

Latest Action

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On February 13, the House amended and passed HB 1434. The bill has been transmitted to the Senate for further action. 

Explanation of the Bill

As amended, House Bill 1434 would create the Institutional Aeronautics, Geospatial, Engineering, Nursing, and Technical Skills (AGENTS) of Excellence Proposal Act.

The goal of this initiative would be to create “regional innovative academic programs” at institutions of higher learning, with a focus on aeronautics, geospatial studies, engineering, nursing, technical skills, trade, and workforce development.

Under HB 1434, Alcorn State University, Delta State University, Mississippi University for Women, and Mississippi Valley State University would each develop a proposal for programs in high-demand fields that are aligned with the institution’s academic strengths. The programs would be intended to improve workforce readiness and postsecondary educational outcomes for underserved student populations in areas around the host institutions.

Proposal Contents

Each university’s proposal would be required to include the following components:

• An identification of the ideal grade levels (between grades 9 and 12) for the programs;
• An analysis of the university’s capacity to accommodate students selected for the program;
• A framework for the delivery of instruction;
• Opportunities for dual enrollment that allow participating students to earn both high school and college credit;
• A projected cost analysis;
• The inclusion of any additional components conducive to establishing, expanding and sustaining programs in aeronautics, geospatial studies, engineering, nursing, technical skills, trade, and workforce development; and
• Components necessary to address academic and workforce needs specific to the region. These may include partnerships with educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, businesses, manufacturers and enterprises, which could
  
  • Provide career development opportunities for students;
  • Establish standards for increases in academic performance indicators;
  • Conduct assessments of student performance;
  • Establish data-driven instructional programs; 
  • Provide curriculum aligned with state standards for college and career readiness;
  • Provide academic support and interventions;
  • Provide for a minimum of instructional hours as applicable; 
  • Provide programs to improve professional development programs for administrators, teachers and support professionals; and
  • Formulate and implement programs designed to improve the learning environment and school culture.

Proposal Submission

Each university would submit its completed proposal to the Board of the State Institutions of Higher Learning and the State Board of Education. These entities would create the rules and regulations for the proposal process, including:

• Minimum criteria for proposal submissions;
• Deadlines for receipt, review, and approval or denial of proposals received;
• Technical assistance to universities in the preparation of proposals; and
• Alignment with state educational goals and workforce development initiatives.

Dual Enrollment Courses

Upon the approval of an institution’s proposal, the Board of the State Institutions of Higher Learning and the State Board of Education would enter into agreements with the host institution regarding the dual enrollment of students attending the program. The boards would develop regulations around the dual enrollment courses for these students.

This bill would take effect on July 1, 2025.

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