SEC. 37-13-181. Local school board implementation.

The local school boards of the public school districts of this state are hereby authorized, in their discretion, to develop and implement, at the beginning of the 1999-2000 school year, a comprehensive program for character education in Grades K-12. This program of character education shall focus on students' development of the following character traits: courage, patriotism, citizenship, honesty, pride in quality work, fairness, respect for and obedience to the law, respect for others, kindness, cooperation, self-respect, self-control, courtesy, compassion, diligence, generosity, punctuality, cleanliness, cheerfulness, school pride, respect for the environment, patience, creativity, sportsmanship, loyalty and perseverance. Said program of character education shall include the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag as required in Section 37-13-7, Mississippi Code of 1972. The State Board of Education shall develop a model curriculum for character education and/or approve an existing model curriculum, to be made available to all school districts along with necessary technical assistance.

SOURCES:  Added by Laws 1999, Ch. 458, Sec. 1, eff. July 1, 1999.