MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2003 Regular Session

To: Education

By: Representative Fleming

House Bill 230

AN ACT TO PROHIBIT PUBLIC SCHOOLS FROM ENGAGING IN ABILITY GROUPING AND OTHER TRACKING PRACTICES THAT PLACE STUDENTS ACCORDING TO ABILITY; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

     BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

     SECTION 1.  Beginning with the 2002-2003 school year, the principal or any other school employee who is responsible for assigning students in the public schools to the various classrooms may not group the students by ability or engage in any other tracking practice that places students in certain classrooms based upon their ability without express written consent from the student's parent or legal guardian.  In assigning students to various classrooms, each public school shall endeavor to achieve heterogeneously grouped classes only.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2003.