MS HB881

Requires the State Board of Education to develop and implement vocational and technical education, home economics, and character education curricula as mandatory components for all middle and high school students and alternative school program students, effective by the 2021-2022 school year.

Mandates home economics instruction covering cooking, child development, home management, sewing, budgeting, and health/hygiene in grades 7-12, with school districts having discretion to determine grade-level placement.

Establishes that state funding for home economics programs shall be included in the adequate education program and vocational education appropriation bills beginning in fiscal year 2021-2022.

Requires alternative school programs to include grade-appropriate curricula for vocational and technical courses, home economics, and character education as part of their minimum guidelines.

Effective date: July 1, 2021.