Senate Bill 2974

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 37-16-7, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION TO ESTABLISH STUDENT TESTING PROFICIENCY STANDARDS FOR PROMOTION FOR HOME INSTRUCTION PROGRAMS WHICH ARE EQUAL TO THE REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Section 37-16-7, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

37-16-7. (1) Each district school board shall establish standards for graduation from its schools which shall include as a minimum:

(a) Mastery of minimum academic skills as measured by assessments developed and administered by the State Board of Education.

(b) Completion of a minimum number of academic credits, and all other applicable requirements prescribed by the district school board.

(2) A student who meets all requirements prescribed in subsection (1) of this section shall be awarded a standard diploma in a form prescribed by the state board.

(3) The State Board of Education may establish student proficiency standards for promotion to grade levels leading to graduation.

(4) The State Board of Education may establish student testing proficiency standards for promotion to grade levels for students in home instruction programs which are equivalent to requirements applicable to public school students.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2005.