Senate Bill 2278

AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE AND DIRECT THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION TO REQUIRE LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO PROVIDE PARENTAL ACCESS TO ONLINE CURRICULUM PROGRAMS; TO PROVIDE THAT LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS SHALL ALLOW PARENTS TO REGISTER ONLINE IN ORDER TO REQUEST ACCESS TO THE CURRICULUM PROGRAMS IN WHICH THEIR CHILDREN ARE ENROLLED AND TO OFFER ASSISTANCE FOR THIS PURPOSE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. (1) The State Board of Education, acting through the State Department of Education, is authorized and directed to require local school districts to provide for access to online curriculum programs by the parent or legal guardian of any child who is enrolled in a class that is using such online curriculum program for classroom instruction and student assignments. Local school districts shall notify parents or legal guardians of the process for registering online for such access and shall receive a confirmation number by e-mail for such purposes. This program shall be known as "Parent Access," and it is the intent of the Legislature that parents or legal guardians shall be assured that online educational materials and systems are safe and appropriate for their children. Parents or legal guardians who have a home computer and Internet access shall be encouraged to support their children by using the Parent Access program while at home. The requirements of this section for the establishment of a Parent Access online curriculum program shall be effective with the 2014-2015 school year.

(2) The State Board of Education shall develop and promulgate rules and regulations requiring local school districts to comply with this section not later than July 1, 2014.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.