MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Education

By: Representative Smith (35th)

AN ACT TO REQUIRE THE CURRICULUM IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF MISSISSIPPI FOR GRADES K-3 TO INCLUDE CERTAIN RESEARCH-BASED READING INSTRUCTION AND DIRECT, SYSTEMIC INSTRUCTION IN CERTAIN SKILLS; TO REQUIRE ALL THIRD-GRADE STUDENTS TO TAKE A NATIONALLY STANDARDIZED NORM-REFERENCED TEST OF BASIC READING SKILLS; TO REQUIRE SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO PROVIDE INDIVIDUALIZED READING INSTRUCTION TO STUDENTS SCORING BELOW THE NATIONAL AVERAGE ON THE TEST; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. (1) The curriculum in the public schools of Mississippi for Grades K-3 shall include, but not be limited to, the following research-based reading instruction:

(a) Direct instruction in phonemic awareness;

(b) Direct systematic, explicit instruction in sound-symbol relationships (phonics);

(c) Direct instruction and practice in blending the sound-symbols into words;

(d) Ample practice in reading decodable text (text in which at least ninety-five percent (95%) of the words use only previously taught sound-symbol relationships); and

(e) Instruction in reading comprehension, first using interesting teacher read stories and then applying acquired comprehension skills to decodable text.

(2) The curriculum in the public schools of Mississippi for Grades K-3 also shall include, but not be limited to, direct, systemic instruction in the following:

(a) Word attack skills;

(b) Spelling;

(c) Vocabulary development; and

(d) Grammar, punctuation and capitalization.

(3) All third-grade students shall take a nationally standardized norm-referenced test of basic reading skills (decoding and comprehension).

(4) Any student who achieves a score on the test required under subsection (3) of this section which is below the national average shall be provided with individualized remedial instruction by the school district following the research-based outline, in addition to the regular curriculum of reading instruction, until the student has achieved a level of basic reading and reading comprehension consistent with the national average.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1999.