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HB 440

Trimester School Year Pilot Program; establish.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Bryant Clark

Mississippi bill would pilot trimester school calendars in participating districts, dividing academic year into three terms instead of two semesters.

Died In Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 440

Legislative bill overview

HB 440 would establish a pilot program in Mississippi allowing school districts to operate on a trimester calendar system instead of the traditional semester structure. The bill would enable participating districts to divide the academic year into three equal terms rather than two, potentially altering instructional scheduling, grading periods, and student/teacher work calendars.

Why is this important

School calendar structures directly affect student learning outcomes, teacher workload, family vacation planning, and workforce coordination. A trimester system could provide different pacing for student mastery, reduce long breaks that research suggests contribute to learning loss, and potentially offer alternative scheduling for credit recovery or enrichment. However, it also impacts childcare coordination, summer employment opportunities, and alignment with other states' calendars.

Potential points of contention

  • Learning continuity concerns: Questions about whether three shorter terms reduce or exacerbate the "summer slide" in student retention, and whether trimester breaks create similar disengagement issues
  • Implementation logistics: Challenges coordinating with higher education calendars, standardized testing schedules, sports seasons, and district-to-district student transfers
  • Teacher compensation and burnout: Unclear whether trimester systems require adjusted contracts, different planning periods, or changed vacation schedules that could affect recruitment and retention

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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