MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2012 Regular Session
To: Education
By: Representative Gunn
AN ACT TO REQUIRE LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS TO ADOPT A POLICY PROHIBITING THE PROMOTION TO THE NEXT GRADE LEVEL OF ANY STUDENT NOT READING ON GRADE LEVEL; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. (1) The school board of each school district shall adopt a policy with regard to student promotion which prohibits the promotion to the next grade level of any student identified by the district as failing to master basic reading skills and competencies established for that student's particular grade level by the school board. Notwithstanding the student's test scores or performance on standardized assessments in other academic areas, the student may not be promoted to a higher grade unless that student has a reading ability level at the student's grade level.
(2) Unless a student has been determined in the current school year to be reading at grade level or above, the school district shall administer a reading assessment or set of assessments to that student during the final quarter of the school year. For the purposes of this section, the method or methods of reading assessment must be determined by each school district. School districts are encouraged to use multiple methods of assessment when possible.
(3) A student receiving special education services under an individualized education program (IEP) that includes an element addressing reading skills is exempt from the requirements of this section.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2012.