Secondary vocational-technical education programs in Mississippi are faced with many challenges resulting from sweeping educational reforms at the national and state levels. Schools and teachers are increasingly being held accountable for providing true learning activities to every student in the classroom. This accountability is measured through increased requirements for mastery and attainment of competency as documented through both formative and summative assessments. The courses in this document reflect the statutory requirements as found in Section 37-3-49, Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended (Section 37-3-46). In addition, this curriculum reflects guidelines imposed by federal and state mandates (Laws, 1988, ch. 487, Section 14; Laws, 1991, ch. 423, Section 1; Laws, 1992, ch. 519, Section 4 effective from and after July 1, 1992; Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act III, 1998; and No Child Left Behind Act of 2001). Cosmetology is a secondary instructional program designed to teach students how to provide basic services in sanitation and sterilization, shampooing, hair styling, manicuring, permanent waving, chemical waving, hair coloring, wigs, and salon management. Upon successful completion of the 1500 hour program, the student will be qualified for the certification examination as administered by the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology. The curriculum is designed to comply with the standards of the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and the requirement of 1500 contact hours for students. Students are required to receive 230 hours of theory (a minimum of 6 hours per week throughout the entire period of instruction, conducted in a separate classroom by a licensed instructor), 1200 hours of supervised skill preparation and clinic work, and 70 hours assigned at the instructor's discretion as needs of individual students dictate. Appended are: (1) National Skills Standards for Cosmetology and Standards for Licensing of Instructors; (2) Academic Standards; (3) Workplace Skills for the 21st Century; and (4) National Educational Technology Standards for Students. A list of suggested references is provided for each unit. (Contains 8 footnotes.)