A bill

 

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 53-3-270 SO AS TO DESIGNATE THE MONTH OF MARCH OF EACH YEAR AS "MIDDLE LEVEL EDUCATION MONTH".

 

Whereas, middle school, also known as intermediate school or junior high school, is an important time in a student's educational development. Students develop more critical thinking skills and begin to choose electives based on their personal interests; and

 

Whereas, the middle school creates a positive environment for adolescents to develop socially, emotionally, psychologically, and academically; and

 

Whereas, middle school students are on a journey to discover their identities as individuals. Guidance through communication is key, when dealing with young adults; and

 

Whereas, the essential role that middle school education plays in the formative years of adolescents is contributed to the dedication and hard work of the middle school educators, administrators, and support personnel; and

 

Whereas, middle school educators, parents, and guardians must provide students with proper orientation and supervision, ensuring all students will be college and career ready; and

 

Whereas, middle school eighth-grade level is a critical year because testing at this grade level provides statistics of a student's ability to succeed; and

 

Whereas, parents are less involved than they are in elementary school giving students more freedom and independence but also more responsibility. Students in middle school experience a more rigorous course load and can take advanced classes in subjects in which they excel; and

 

Whereas, middle school is a significant time in every student's educational journey and deserves to be recognized for its importance. Now, therefore,

 

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

 

SECTION 1.  Chapter 3, Title 53 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

 

    Section 53-3-270.  The month of March of each year is designated as "Middle Level Education Month" to recognize the importance of middle level education for students.

 

SECTION 2.  This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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