SB 2536: Implement ‘Success Sequence’ in public school curriculum

Senate Bill 2536, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Tate, would require school districts across Mississippi to teach the success sequence.
For many years, the success sequence – graduate from high school, work full time, and don’t have kids until you’re married – has been identified as the tool to escape poverty and live a life free of poverty.
Data shows that those who follow the steps as younger adults remain out of poverty when they are older. Among adults who are 32-38, only 3 percent of those who followed all three steps are in poverty today. Meanwhile, of those who missed all three steps, 52 percent are in poverty.
And the sequence doesn’t care about race or your background. For blacks who follow all three steps, just 4 percent are in poverty as adults. For Hispanics, it is 3 percent. The same rate of whites. So essentially no difference. Among those who grew up poor but followed the three steps, 6 percent are in poverty today. And if you followed the steps, but only have a high school diploma, just 5 percent are in poverty.
We understand saying any person should follow the success sequence is the easy part. A big part of the problem is that many children do not hear the positive message of the sequence. This bill would make that a reality, and by extension, give more children a better chance at happiness and the ability to live a life free of poverty.
Empower Mississippi supports this legislation
Senate Bill 2536 died in committee on February 4.