reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 161 - MISSISSIPPI EDUCATION REFORM ACT OF 2006 (§§ 37-161-1 — 37-161-7) › Section 37-161-5 - Creation of Lifelong Learning Commission; composition; duties; annual report; meetings

(1)
There is established a commission to be known as the "Lifelong Learning Commission."
(2)
The commission shall consist of four (4) members, who shall serve ex officio, as follows:
(a)
The Governor of the State of Mississippi, who shall serve as chairman;
(b)
The State Superintendent of Public Education;
(c)
The Commissioner of the Mississippi Community College Board; and
(d)
The Commissioner of Higher Education.
(3)
The duties of the Lifelong Learning Commission shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following:
(a)
To assess the dropout crisis in Mississippi and recommend action steps to address it;
(b)
To create a set of common definitions for graduation and dropout rates which can be used to compare the commission's progress relative to other states;
(c)
To facilitate agreements that will make the Mississippi high school experience more meaningful;
(d)
To encourage more rigor and relevance in the high school experience;
(e)
To facilitate the transferability of education from secondary to postsecondary institutions;
(f)
To raise state awareness on the need for improving Mississippi's high schools;
(g)
To develop a series of best practices policy actions that state policymakers and legislators can implement to achieve system-wide high school reform; and
(h)
To convene town hall meetings around the state, when the commission determines necessary, where students, teachers, administrators and parents can discuss high school, the senior year and impediments to greater success.
(4)
The commission may prepare an annual report for the consideration of the Chairmen of the House and Senate Education and Universities and Colleges Committees pertaining to the information gathered in the performance of its duties.
(5)
The commission members shall meet at those times and places deemed necessary by the commission. The commission may use any available resources to fulfill its mission.
Laws, 2006, ch. 346, § 4; Laws, 2006, ch. 504, § 13; reenacted without change, Laws, 2009, ch. 345, § 33, eff. 6/30/2009.
Amended by Laws, 2014, ch. 397, HB 460, 54, eff. 7/1/2014.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 161 - MISSISSIPPI EDUCATION REFORM ACT OF 2006 (§§ 37-161-1 — 37-161-7) › Section 37-161-7 - Wellness curriculum to be developed by State Board of Education; board shall adopt implementation rules and regulations

The State Board of Education shall develop a wellness curriculum for use by each school district and the board shall establish rules and regulations to be followed by the districts whereby the districts shall implement the curriculum. Such wellness curriculum shall include educating students about the value of exercise, proper diet and abstinence from use of tobacco and alcohol. The state board shall also adopt regulations for districts' compliance concerning what products may be sold in vending machines on campus and when they can be sold.
Laws, 2006, ch. 504, § 18; reenacted without change, Laws, 2009, ch. 345, § 34, eff. 6/30/2009.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 165 - CONVERSION CHARTER SCHOOL ACT OF 2010 (§ 37-165-1) › Section 37-165-1 - through 37-165-27 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Laws of 2013, ch. 497, § 92, eff. 7/1/2013.
§ 37-165-1. [ Laws, 2010, ch. 540, § 4, eff. 7/1/2010.] § 37-165-3. [ Laws, 2010, ch. 540, § 5, eff. 7/1/2010.] § 37-165-5. [ Laws, 2010, ch. 540, § 6, eff. 7/1/2010.] § 37-165-7. [ Laws, 2010, ch. 540, § 7, eff. 7/1/2010.] § 37-165-9. [ Laws, 2010, ch. 540, § 8, eff. 7/1/2010.] § 37-165-11. [ Laws, 2010, ch. 540, § 9, eff. 7/1/2010.] § 37-165-13. [ Laws, 2010, ch. 540, § 10, eff. 7/1/2010.] § 37-165-15. [ Laws, 2010, ch. 540, § 11, eff. 7/1/2010.] § 37-165-17. [ Laws, 2010, ch. 540, § 12, eff. 7/1/2010.] § 37-165-19. [ Laws, 2010, ch. 540, § 13, eff. 7/1/2010.] § 37-165-21. [ Laws, 2010, ch. 540, § 14, eff. 7/1/2010.] § 37-165-23. [ Laws, 2010, ch. 540, § 15, eff. 7/1/2010.] § 37-165-25. [ Laws, 2010, ch. 540, § 16, eff. 7/1/2010.] § 37-165-27. [ Laws, 2010, ch. 540, § 17, eff. 7/1/2010.]
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 167 - NEW START SCHOOL PROGRAM [Repealed] (§ 37-167-1) › Section 37-167-1 - [Repealed]

Laws, 2010, ch. 540, § 1, eff. 7/1/2010.
Repealed by Laws, 2017, ch. 343, HB 347, 1, eff. 7/1/2017.
Amended by Laws, 2015, ch. 344, HB 469, 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Amended by Laws, 2014, ch. 458, HB 455, 1, eff. 3/31/2014.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 169 - MISSISSIPPI AUTISM ADVISORY COMMITTEE (§§ 37-169-1 — 37-169-5) › Section 37-169-1 - Mississippi autism advisory committee created; purpose; report to Legislature

The Mississippi Autism Advisory Committee is created to study, make recommendations and develop a strategic plan on how best to educate and train students with autism or ASD to maximize their potential productivity with the workforce. The committee shall meet at least six (6) times annually, and shall develop an annual plan. The report and plan of the committee, which shall be due annually on July 1, to the Mississippi Legislature, shall detail the progress and problems in creating meaningful progress in the areas of mental health, education, medical and employment for individuals with autism or ASD and their families.
Laws, 2011, ch. 370, § 1, eff. 3/11/2011.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 169 - MISSISSIPPI AUTISM ADVISORY COMMITTEE (§§ 37-169-1 — 37-169-5) › Section 37-169-5 - Duties of advisory committee; meetings; terms of members

(1)
The advisory committee shall:
(a)
Review the recommendations of the Caring for Individuals with Autism Task Force of 2007;
(b)
Evaluate, study and identify any and all current relevant information and make legislative recommendations regarding the development and implementation of a continuum of educational and medical services for individuals with autism or ASD; and
(c)
File a report with those standing committees of the Mississippi Legislature and present the report to those state agencies having jurisdiction over specific recommendations of the task force, not later than July 1 of each year.
(2)
The advisory committee shall hold its first meeting not later than April 1, 2011, with the date, time and location of the meeting to be designated by the Executive Director of the Department of Mental Health. At that first meeting, the advisory committee shall elect from among its membership a chairman, vice chairman and any other officers determined to be necessary, and shall set the date, time and location of its next meeting.
(3)
The terms of advisory committee members shall run for two (2) years, concurrent with the term of members of the Mississippi Congressional Delegation elected to the United States House of Representatives.
(4)
The State Department of Mental Health shall provide the staff and other support necessary for the Mississippi Autism Advisory Committee to perform its duties.
(5)
Members of the advisory committee shall serve without compensation in the form of a per diem or any other expense for service on the committee.
Laws, 2011, ch. 370, § 3, eff. 3/11/2011.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 171 - USE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY BY PUBLIC FOR RECREATION AND SPORTS (§§ 37-171-1 — 37-171-7) › Section 37-171-1 - Legislative findings and intent

(1)
The Legislature finds the following:
(a)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released studies documenting:
(i)
Overweight and obese children experience the same risk factors that are associated with heart disease in adults, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and Type 2 diabetes, once referred to as adult-onset diabetes;
(ii)
Every year, an estimated three hundred thousand (300,000) people in America die because of diseases caused by being overweight and obese;
(iii)
Studies have shown that up to eighty percent (80%) of overweight adolescents become overweight adults;
(iv)
Fourteen percent (14%) of deaths from cancer in men and twenty percent (20%) of cancer deaths in women are because of being overweight and obese; and
(v)
The annual economic impact in the United States from obesity on our health care system is estimated at One Hundred Forty-seven Billion Dollars ($147,000,000,000.00);
(b)
According to the National Survey of Children's Health, Mississippi's childhood obesity rates are the highest in the nation;
(c)
A recent study by a major insurance carrier stated that fifty percent (50%) of all Americans will have diabetes by the year 2020, costing the health care system approximately Three Trillion Three Hundred Fifty Billion Dollars ($3,350,000,000,000.00) if current trends in obesity are not abated; and
(d)
According to the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, adults with a household member who participated in a community garden consumed fruits and vegetables one and four-tenths (1-4/1
0
) more times per day than those who did not participate, and they were three and one-half (3-1/2) times more likely to consume fruits and vegetables at least five (5) times daily.
(2)
Therefore, the Legislature declares that the intent of this chapter is to make school property available to community members during nonschool hours for recreational activities in order to support active living, reduce obesity, reduce health care costs associated with obesity, increase community safety, maximize community resources, and promote community support for schools.
Laws, 2012, ch. 475, § 1, eff. 7/1/2012.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 171 - USE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY BY PUBLIC FOR RECREATION AND SPORTS (§§ 37-171-1 — 37-171-7) › Section 37-171-3 - Definitions

As used in this chapter, the following words and phrases have the meanings ascribed in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
(a)
"Recreation" means any indoor or outdoor game or activity, either organized or unorganized, undertaken for exercise, relaxation, diversion, sport or pleasure.
(b)
"School property" means all indoor or outdoor structures, facilities and land, whether owned, rented or leased by the school or school district.
(c)
"Sport" means an activity requiring physical exertion and skill and which, by its nature and organization, is competitive and generally accepted as being a sport.
(d)
"Shared use agreement" means a legal agreement that defines the rights and responsibilities of the school district and another organization or governmental agency for use of the school facilities for recreation or other purpose of importance to the community.
(e)
"Local government entity" means any county, municipality, school district, public hospital or other political subdivision of the state.
Laws, 2012, ch. 475, § 2, eff. 7/1/2012.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 171 - USE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY BY PUBLIC FOR RECREATION AND SPORTS (§§ 37-171-1 — 37-171-7) › Section 37-171-5 - Use of school property during nonschool hours by public for recreation or sports authorized; liability

(1)
The school board of a school district may adopt a policy allowing the public use of indoor or outdoor school property during nonschool hours for purposes of recreation or sport. The school district must ensure that this use of school facilities by the public does not interfere with the use of those facilities for school purposes.
(2)
School districts and school district employees may not be held liable for any claim resulting from a loss or injury arising from the use of indoor or outdoor school property or facilities made available for public recreation or sport. However, this chapter does not relieve a school district or school district employee of liability that otherwise exists for:
(a)
Deliberate, willful or malicious injury to persons or property by a school district employee; or
(b)
Injury resulting from a lack of proper maintenance or upkeep of a piece of equipment or facilities, unless the school district or school district employee had attempted to restrict access to a piece of equipment or facilities area in need of repair which would endanger a student during normal school hours.
This subsection may not be deemed to create or increase the liability of any person.
Laws, 2012, ch. 475, § 3, eff. 7/1/2012.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 171 - USE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY BY PUBLIC FOR RECREATION AND SPORTS (§§ 37-171-1 — 37-171-7) › Section 37-171-7 - Shared use agreements with community organizations and local governmental agencies

(1)
School districts are encouraged strongly to enter into shared use agreements with community organizations and local governmental agencies.
(2)
Local government entities are expressly authorized to enter into such shared use agreements and/or expend public funds and/or to use public labor and/or equipment and/or commodities in furtherance of the purpose of such agreements.
(3)
The State Department of Education, in consultation with the State Department of Health, shall develop a best practices tool kit relating to shared use agreements for school districts. This tool kit must include:
(a)
Information outlining liability protections for both the school district and school district employees for injuries resulting from community use of school property or facilities for purposes of recreation or sport during nonschool hours;
(b)
Model shared use agreement language;
(c)
A list of technical assistance resources available for the school district to promote community recreational use of school property or facilities during nonschool hours;
(d)
A list of potential community partners for shared use agreements; and
(e)
A list of any grants or funding opportunities available to school districts to promote community recreational use of school property or facilities during nonschool hours.
The tool kit must be posted on the State Department of Education and State Department of Health websites. The State Department of Education shall review the information required by this section no less than every two (2) years and shall update the information as necessary.
(4)
The State Department of Education shall provide a link on the department's website to any school district policies or procedures that promote community recreational use of school property or facilities in order to encourage information sharing among the school districts.
(5)
Each school district, in consultation with the school health council, must address community recreational use of school property or facilities during nonschool hours.
Laws, 2012, ch. 475, § 4, eff. 7/1/2012.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 173 - DYSLEXIA THERAPY SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDENTS WITH DYSLEXIA PROGRAM (§§ 37-173-1 — 37-173-NEW) › Section 37-173-3 - Mississippi Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship for Students with Dyslexia Program established

The Mississippi Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship for Students with Dyslexia Program is established to provide the option to attend a public school other than the one to which assigned, or to provide a scholarship to a nonpublic school of choice, for students with a diagnosis of dyslexia. Students in Grades 1 through 12 who have been properly screened and diagnosed with dyslexia shall be eligible to receive scholarship assistance under this program.
Laws, 2012, ch. 560, § 2, eff. 7/1/2012.
Amended by Laws, 2017, ch. 425, HB 1046, 2, eff. 7/1/2017.
Reenacted by Laws, 2016, ch. 429, HB 37, 2, eff. 7/1/2016.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 173 - DYSLEXIA THERAPY SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDENTS WITH DYSLEXIA PROGRAM (§§ 37-173-1 — 37-173-NEW) › Section 37-173-5 - Option to remove child from traditional school and enroll in public or nonpublic school that meets standards for unique learning needs of students with dyslexia; scholarship eligibility requirements

(1)
Parents or legal guardians may exercise the option to remove their child from a traditional public school setting to be enrolled in a public or nonpublic school which meets the standards for appropriate specific instruction designed to meet the unique learning needs of young dyslexic students. The objectives of such school shall be:
(a)
To emphasize the importance of early intervention; and
(b)
To provide intensive high-quality instruction of students in reading, spelling, writing, language arts, phonological awareness and fluency training, but shall not preclude instruction in mathematics, social studies, science, art, music and physical education based on the curriculum requirements of the State Department of Education.
(2)
The parent or legal guardian of a public school student with dyslexia may request and receive from the state a Mississippi Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship for the child to enroll in and attend a nonpublic school in accordance with this section if:
(a)
The student has spent the previous school year in attendance at a Mississippi public school or any other state approved nonpublic school in the state that emphasizes instruction in dyslexia intervention; or
(b)
The parent or legal guardian has obtained acceptance for admission of the student to a nonpublic school that is eligible for the program under Section
37-173-19
and has requested from the department a scholarship within thirty (30) days before the date of the first scholarship payment. The request must be through a communication directly to the department in a manner that creates a written or electronic record of the request and the date of receipt of the request. The Department of Education must notify the district of the parent's or legal guardian's intent upon receipt of the parent's or legal guardian's request.
Laws, 2012, ch. 560, § 3, eff. 7/1/2012.
Reenacted by Laws, 2016, ch. 429, HB 37, 3, eff. 7/1/2016.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 173 - DYSLEXIA THERAPY SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDENTS WITH DYSLEXIA PROGRAM (§§ 37-173-1 — 37-173-NEW) › Section 37-173-7 - Student eligibility for scholarship; duration of scholarship

(1)
A student is not eligible for a Mississippi Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship while he or she is:
(a)
Enrolled in a school operating for the purpose of providing educational services to youth in Department of Juvenile Justice commitment programs;
(b)
Participating in a homeschool education program;
(c)
Participating in a virtual school, correspondence school, or distance learning program that receives state funding under the student's participation unless the participation is limited to no more than two (2) courses per school year;
(d)
Not having regular and direct contact with his or her private school teachers at the school's physical location.
(2)
(a)
For purposes of continuity of educational choice, a Mississippi Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship shall remain in force until the student returns to a public school or completes Grade 12, whichever occurs first.
(b)
Upon reasonable notice to the department and the school district, the student's parent or legal guardian may remove the student from the nonpublic school and place the student in a public school in accordance with this section.
Laws, 2012, ch. 560, § 4, eff. 7/1/2012.
Amended by Laws, 2017, ch. 425, HB 1046, 3, eff. 7/1/2017.
Reenacted by Laws, 2016, ch. 429, HB 37, 4, eff. 7/1/2016.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 173 - DYSLEXIA THERAPY SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDENTS WITH DYSLEXIA PROGRAM (§§ 37-173-1 — 37-173-NEW) › Section 37-173-9 - Public school option; nonpublic school option

(1)
(a)
The parent or legal guardian is not required to accept the offer of enrolling in another public school in lieu of requesting a Mississippi Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship to a nonpublic school. However, if the parent or legal guardian chooses the public school option, the student may continue attending a public school chosen by the parent or legal guardian until the student completes Grade 12.
(b)
If the parent or legal guardian chooses a public school within the district, the school district shall provide transportation to the public school selected by the parent or legal guardian. However, if the parent or legal guardian chooses a public school in another district, the parent or legal guardian is responsible to provide transportation to the school of choice.
These provisions do not prohibit a parent or legal guardian of a student diagnosed with dyslexia, at any time, from choosing the option of a Mississippi Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship which would allow the student to attend another public school or nonpublic special purpose school.
(2)
If the parent or legal guardian chooses the nonpublic school option and the student is accepted by the nonpublic school pending the availability of a space for the student, the parent or legal guardian of the student must notify the department thirty (30) days before the first scholarship payment and before entering the nonpublic school in order to be eligible for the scholarship when a space becomes available for the student in the nonpublic school.
(3)
The parent or legal guardian of a student may choose, as an alternative, to enroll the student in and transport the student to a public school in an adjacent school district which has available space and has a program with dyslexia services that provide daily dyslexia therapy sessions delivered by a department licensed dyslexia therapist, and that school district shall accept the student and report the student for purposes of the district's funding under the total funding formula provided in this act.
Laws, 2012, ch. 560, § 5, eff. 7/1/2012.
Amended by Laws, 2024, ch. 484, HB 4130,§ 106, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by Laws, 2021, ch. 425, HB 754,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2021.
Amended by Laws, 2017, ch. 425, HB 1046, 4, eff. 7/1/2017.
Reenacted by Laws, 2016, ch. 429, HB 37, 5, eff. 7/1/2016.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 173 - DYSLEXIA THERAPY SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDENTS WITH DYSLEXIA PROGRAM (§§ 37-173-1 — 37-173-NEW) › Section 37-173-11 - Parental obligations if applying for Mississippi Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship

A parent or legal guardian who applies for a Mississippi Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship is exercising his or her parental option to place his or her child in a nonpublic school. Each participating parent or legal guardian and student shall adhere to the following:
(a)
The parent or legal guardian must select the nonpublic school and apply for the admission of his or her child;
(b)
The parent or legal guardian must have requested the scholarship at least thirty (30) days before the date of the first scholarship payment;
(c)
Any student participating in the Mississippi Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship for Students with Dyslexia Program must remain in attendance throughout the school year unless excused by the school for illness or other good cause; and
(d)
Each parent or legal guardian and each student has an obligation to the nonpublic special purpose school to comply with the nonpublic special purpose school's published policies.
Laws, 2012, ch. 560, § 6, eff. 7/1/2012.
Reenacted by Laws, 2016, ch. 429, HB 37, 6, eff. 7/1/2016.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 173 - DYSLEXIA THERAPY SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDENTS WITH DYSLEXIA PROGRAM (§§ 37-173-1 — 37-173-NEW) › Section 37-173-13 - Maximum scholarship; report by nonpublic schools; disbursement of payments to nonpublic schools

(1)
The maximum scholarship granted per eligible student with dyslexia shall be an amount equivalent to the student base amount under the total funding formula provided in this act.
(2)
(a)
The nonpublic school under this program shall report to the State Department of Education the number of students with dyslexia who are enrolled in nonpublic schools on the Mississippi Dyslexia Therapy Scholarships as of September 30 of each year in order to determine funding for the subsequent year. Funds may not be transferred from any funding provided to the Mississippi School for the Deaf and the Blind for program participants who are eligible under Section
37-173-5
.
(b)
The State Department of Education will disburse payments to nonpublic schools under this program in twelve (12) substantially equal installments. The initial payment shall be made after department verification of admission acceptance, and subsequent payments shall be made upon verification of continued enrollment and attendance at the nonpublic school.
Laws, 2012, ch. 560, § 7, eff. 7/1/2012.
Amended by Laws, 2024, ch. 484, HB 4130,§ 107, eff. 7/1/2024.
Reenacted by Laws, 2016, ch. 429, HB 37, 7, eff. 7/1/2016.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 173 - DYSLEXIA THERAPY SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDENTS WITH DYSLEXIA PROGRAM (§§ 37-173-1 — 37-173-NEW) › Section 37-173-15 - Screening of all compulsory-school-age children enrolled in public school for dyslexia; subsequent dyslexia evaluations

(1)
(a)
Each local school district shall adopt a policy to ensure that students will be screened by a screener approved by the State Board of Education in the spring of kindergarten and the fall of Grade 1. The component of the screening must include:
(i)
Phonological awareness and phonemic awareness;
(ii)
Sound symbol recognition;
(iii)
Alphabet knowledge;
(iv)
Decoding skills;
(v)
Encoding skills; and
(vi)
Rapid naming.
(b)
If a student fails the screener, the parent or legal guardian will be notified of the results of the screener. Subsequent dyslexia evaluations may be administered by licensed professionals, including:
(i)
Psychologists, licensed under Chapter 31, Title 73, Mississippi Code of 1972;
(ii)
Psychometrists, licensed by the Mississippi Department of Education, and in accordance with Chapter 31, Title 73, Section 27, Mississippi Code of 1972; or
(iii)
Speech Language Pathologists, licensed under Chapter 38, Title 73, Mississippi Code of 1972.
(c)
If a student fails the screener, the school district, in its discretion, may perform a comprehensive dyslexia evaluation, such evaluation must be administered by any of the licensed professionals identified under paragraph (b) of this subsection.
(d)
If a parent or legal guardian of a student who fails the dyslexia screener exercises the option to have a subsequent evaluation performed, such evaluation shall be administered by any of the licensed professionals identified under paragraph (b) of this subsection, and the resulting diagnosis of the subsequent evaluation must be accepted by the school district for purposes of determining eligibility for placement within a dyslexia therapy program within the current school or to receive a Mississippi Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship for placement in a dyslexia program in another public school or nonpublic school.
(2)
The screening of all compulsory-school-age children enrolled in each local public school district for dyslexia required by subsection (1)(a) of this section shall in no manner nullify or defeat the requirements of the pilot programs adopted by the State Department of Education to test certain students enrolled or enrolling in public schools for dyslexia under Section
37-23-15
.
Laws, 2012, ch. 560, § 8, eff. 7/1/2012.
Amended by Laws, 2017, ch. 425, HB 1046, 5, eff. 7/1/2017.
Amended by Laws, 2016, ch. 429, HB 37, 8, eff. 7/1/2016.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 173 - DYSLEXIA THERAPY SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDENTS WITH DYSLEXIA PROGRAM (§§ 37-173-1 — 37-173-NEW) › Section 37-173-16 - Determination of eligibility of students diagnosed with dyslexia for Individualized Education Program or 504 Plan; required in-service training in dyslexia and related disorder awareness education for licensed educators and paraprofessionals

(1)
Each local school district shall make an initial determination of whether a student diagnosed with dyslexia meets the eligibility criteria under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to have an Individualized Education Program developed and to receive services. If a student's diagnosis of dyslexia does not result in an IDEA eligibility determination then the district must proceed with their process for determining if the student is eligible for a 504 Plan under the Rehabilitation Act based on the presumption that proficiency in spelling, reading and writing are essential for the student to achieve appropriate educational progress. Each local school district shall develop interventions and strategies to address the needs of those students diagnosed with dyslexia which provide the necessary accommodations to enable the student to achieve appropriate educational progress. The interventions and strategies developed shall include, but not be limited to, the use of the 3-Tier Instructional Model and the utilization of provisions of the IDEA and 504 Plan to address those needs.
(2)
The State Department of Education shall require public school districts to conduct four (4) hours of in-service training in dyslexia and related disorder awareness education every three (3) years for all licensed educators and paraprofessionals responsible for instruction. Standard 1 and Standard 2 of the International Dyslexia Association's "Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading" 2018 Edition shall be the minimum content used for the dyslexia training. Additional content of the trainings shall also include the indicators and characteristics, screening processes, evidence-based interventions and accommodations for students with dyslexia and other related disorders. The training, which may be provided through live in-person instruction, online course instruction or through a prerecorded video presentation, shall be delivered by an individual who holds a State Department of Education License No. 203 in Dyslexia Therapy and a national certificate as a Certified Academic Language Therapist.
Added by Laws, 2021, ch. 425, HB 754,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2021.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 173 - DYSLEXIA THERAPY SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDENTS WITH DYSLEXIA PROGRAM (§§ 37-173-1 — 37-173-NEW) › Section 37-173-17 - Eligibility requirements for nonpublic schools to participate in scholarship program

(1)
To be eligible to participate in the Mississippi Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship for Students with Dyslexia Program, a nonpublic school must:
(a)
Be a state accredited special purpose school;
(b)
Provide to the department all documentation required for a student's participation, including the nonpublic school's and student's fee schedules, at least thirty (30) days before the first quarterly scholarship payment is made for the student.
(c)
Be academically accountable to the parent or legal guardian for meeting the educational needs of the student by, at a minimum, annually providing to the parent or legal guardian a written explanation of the student's progress.
(d)
Maintain in this state a physical location where a scholarship student regularly attends classes.
(2)
The inability of a nonpublic school to meet the requirements of this subsection shall constitute a basis for the ineligibility of the nonpublic school to participate in the scholarship program as determined by the department.
Laws, 2012, ch. 560, § 9, eff. 7/1/2012.
Reenacted by Laws, 2016, ch. 429, HB 37, 9, eff. 7/1/2016.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 173 - DYSLEXIA THERAPY SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDENTS WITH DYSLEXIA PROGRAM (§§ 37-173-1 — 37-173-NEW) › Section 37-173-19 - Publication of information regarding Mississippi Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship; annual reports

(1)
The department shall publicize information regarding the Mississippi Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship on the department's official website.
(2)
Annually, by December 15, report to the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives the Department of Education's actions with respect to implementing accountability in the scholarship program under this section, any substantiated allegations or violations of law or rule by an eligible nonpublic school under this program concerning the enrollment and attendance of students, the credentials of teachers, background screening of teachers, and teachers' fingerprinting results and the corrective action taken by the Department of Education.
Laws, 2012, ch. 560, § 10, eff. 7/1/2012.
Reenacted by Laws, 2016, ch. 429, HB 37, 10, eff. 7/1/2016.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 173 - DYSLEXIA THERAPY SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDENTS WITH DYSLEXIA PROGRAM (§§ 37-173-1 — 37-173-NEW) › Section 37-173-21 - Administrative and instructional personnel qualifications

(1)
The State Board of Education in conjunction with each nonpublic school and local school board operating under the provisions of this chapter, may:
(a)
Extend the school day or length of the scholastic year;
(b)
Develop and establish a curriculum that is consistent with the Mississippi Curriculum Framework in the subject areas of mathematics, social studies, science, music, art and physical education; and
(c)
Select, purchase and use textbooks, literature and other instructional materials that would improve educational attainment by students in the school, subject to the approval of the board.
(2)
The qualified personnel to facilitate the educational process of learning and instruction for children with dyslexia who attend the schools shall consist of the following:
(a)
An administrator or director with additional training in the characteristics of dyslexia;
(b)
A dyslexia therapist licensed by the department in dyslexia therapy;
(c)
Dyslexia therapists in training participating in a department approved dyslexia therapy graduate internship program; and
(d)
Licensed elementary teachers under the supervision of a state department licensed dyslexia therapist.
Laws, 2012, ch. 560, § 11, eff. 7/1/2012.
Reenacted by Laws, 2016, ch. 429, HB 37, 11, eff. 7/1/2016.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 173 - DYSLEXIA THERAPY SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDENTS WITH DYSLEXIA PROGRAM (§§ 37-173-1 — 37-173-NEW) › Section 37-173-23 - Criminal background checks and fingerprinting of school personnel

Teachers and other school personnel shall be subject to criminal history record checks and fingerprinting requirements applicable to other public schools under Section
37-9-17(2) and (3)
.
Laws, 2012, ch. 560, § 12, eff. 7/1/2012.
Reenacted by Laws, 2016, ch. 429, HB 37, 12, eff. 7/1/2016.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 173 - DYSLEXIA THERAPY SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDENTS WITH DYSLEXIA PROGRAM (§§ 37-173-1 — 37-173-NEW) › Section 37-173-25 - Payment of federal and state aid program monies to participating schools; audit and budget submission requirements

(1)
Each school providing instruction to children with dyslexia shall certify to the State Department of Education its student enrollment in the same manner as local school districts.
(2)
The department shall direct the proportionate share of monies generated under federal and state categorical aid programs to the participating school for serving students eligible for the aid. The state shall ensure that each school is treated equitably in the calculation and disbursement of all federal and state categorical aid program dollars. Each school participating in the scholarship program shall comply with all reporting requirements to receive the aid.
(3)
(a)
Each school shall adhere to generally accepted accounting principles as promulgated by nationally recognized professional organizations.
(b)
Each school shall have its financial records audited annually, at the end of each fiscal year, by the State Auditor and shall file a copy of each audit report and accompanying management letter with the board by July 30.
(4)
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit any person or organization from providing funding or other assistance to the establishment or operation of any school authorized under this chapter, except religious or sectarian organizations. The State Board of Education, acting on behalf of the participating schools, is authorized to accept gifts, donations, and grants of any kind made to a participating school and to expend or use such gifts, donations, and grants in accordance with the conditions prescribed by the donor; however, no gift, donation, or grant may be accepted if subject to a condition that is contrary to any provision of state law or board rule.
Laws, 2012, ch. 560, § 13, eff. 7/1/2012.
Reenacted by Laws, 2016, ch. 429, HB 37, 13, eff. 7/1/2016.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 173 - DYSLEXIA THERAPY SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDENTS WITH DYSLEXIA PROGRAM (§§ 37-173-1 — 37-173-NEW) › Section 37-173-27 - Liability for award or use of Mississippi Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship

No liability shall arise on the part of the state based on the award or use of a Mississippi Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship.
Laws, 2012, ch. 560, § 14, eff. 7/1/2012.
Reenacted by Laws, 2016, ch. 429, HB 37, 14, eff. 7/1/2016.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 173 - DYSLEXIA THERAPY SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDENTS WITH DYSLEXIA PROGRAM (§§ 37-173-1 — 37-173-NEW) › Section 37-173-29 - No expansion of regulatory authority of state over nonpublic schools beyond what is necessary to enforce this chapter

The inclusion of eligible nonpublic schools within options available to Mississippi public school students does not expand the regulatory authority of the state, its officers, or any school district to impose any additional regulation of nonpublic schools beyond those reasonably necessary to enforce requirements expressly set forth in this chapter.
Laws, 2012, ch. 560, § 15, eff. 7/1/2012.
Reenacted by Laws, 2016, ch. 429, HB 37, 15, eff. 7/1/2016.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 173 - DYSLEXIA THERAPY SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDENTS WITH DYSLEXIA PROGRAM (§§ 37-173-1 — 37-173-NEW) › Section 37-173-31 - [Repealed]

Laws, 2012, ch. 560, § 16, eff. 7/1/2012.
Repealed by Laws, 2016, ch. 429, HB 37, 16, eff. 7/1/2016.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 173 - DYSLEXIA THERAPY SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDENTS WITH DYSLEXIA PROGRAM (§§ 37-173-1 — 37-173-NEW) › Section 37-173-NEW - [License through reciprocity]

If the individual meets the requirements of Section
37-173-1(g)
and is otherwise licensed by their state's respective department or agency that licenses such occupations, then the Department of Education shall issue the individual a license through reciprocity.
Added by Laws, 2024, ch. 433, SB 2681,§ 2, eff. 4/22/2024.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 175 - MISSISSIPPI SPEECH-LANGUAGE THERAPY SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDENTS WITH SPEECH-LANGUAGE IMPAIRMENTS PROGRAM (§§ 37-175-1 — 37-175-29) › Section 37-175-3 - Mississippi Speech-Language Therapy Scholarship for Students with Speech-Language Impairments Program established

The Mississippi Speech-Language Therapy Scholarship for Students with Speech-Language Impairments Program, which may also be cited as the Nate Rogers Scholarship for Students with Disabilities Program, is established to provide a scholarship to a nonpublic school of choice, for students with an eligibility ruling of a speech-language impairment. Students in kindergarten through Grade 6 or its equivalent who have been properly evaluated and received an eligibility ruling of speech-language impairment shall be eligible to receive scholarship assistance under this program.
Added by Laws, 2013, ch. 564, HB 896, 2, eff. 7/1/2013.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 175 - MISSISSIPPI SPEECH-LANGUAGE THERAPY SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDENTS WITH SPEECH-LANGUAGE IMPAIRMENTS PROGRAM (§§ 37-175-1 — 37-175-29) › Section 37-175-5 - Option to remove child from public school to enroll in nonpublic school with specific instruction for students with speech-language impairment

(1)
Parents or legal guardians may exercise the option to remove their child from a traditional public school setting to be enrolled in a nonpublic school which meets the standards for appropriate specific instruction designed to meet the unique learning needs of young students with a speech-language impairment. The objectives of such school shall be:
(a)
To emphasize the importance of early intervention; and
(b)
To provide intensive high-quality speech-language pathology services.
(2)
The parent or legal guardian of a public school student with a speech-language impairment may request and receive from the state a Mississippi Speech-Language Therapy Scholarship for the child to enroll in and attend a nonpublic school in accordance with this section if:
(a)
The student has spent the previous school year in attendance at a Mississippi public school or any other state accredited nonpublic special purpose school in the state that is organized to provide and emphasizes instruction in speech-language therapy and intervention as the primary purpose of the school; or
(b)
The parent or legal guardian has obtained acceptance for admission of the student to a nonpublic school that is eligible for the program under Section
37-175-19
and has requested from the department a scholarship within thirty (30) days before the date of the first scholarship payment. The request must be through a communication directly to the department in a manner that creates a written or electronic record of the request and the date of receipt of the request. The State Department of Education must notify the district of the parent's or legal guardian's intent upon receipt of the parent's or legal guardian's request.
Added by Laws, 2013, ch. 564, HB 896, 3, eff. 7/1/2013.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 175 - MISSISSIPPI SPEECH-LANGUAGE THERAPY SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDENTS WITH SPEECH-LANGUAGE IMPAIRMENTS PROGRAM (§§ 37-175-1 — 37-175-29) › Section 37-175-7 - Eligibility for and duration of scholarship

(1)
A student is not eligible for a Mississippi Speech-Language Therapy Scholarship while he or she is:
(a)
Enrolled in a school operating for the purpose of providing educational services to youth in Department of Juvenile Justice commitment programs;
(b)
Participating in a home-school education program;
(c)
Participating in a virtual school, correspondence school, or distance learning program that receives state funding under the student's participation unless the participation is limited to no more than two (2) courses per school year;
(d)
Not having regular and direct contact with his or her private school teachers at the school's physical location.
(2)
(a)
For purposes of continuity of educational choice, a Mississippi Speech-Language Therapy Scholarship shall remain in force until the student returns to a public school or completes Grade 6 or its equivalent, whichever occurs first.
(b)
Upon reasonable notice to the department and the school district, the student's parent or legal guardian may remove the student from the nonpublic school and place the student in a public school in accordance with this section.
Added by Laws, 2013, ch. 564, HB 896, 4, eff. 7/1/2013.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 175 - MISSISSIPPI SPEECH-LANGUAGE THERAPY SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDENTS WITH SPEECH-LANGUAGE IMPAIRMENTS PROGRAM (§§ 37-175-1 — 37-175-29) › Section 37-175-9 - Initial determination of qualifying eligibility ruling of speech-language impairment; public, nonpublic school options

(1)
Each local school district shall make an initial determination of whether a student has an eligibility ruling of speech-language impairment that qualifies under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to receive services and funding under the provisions of the IDEA before proceeding to the development of a plan for each speech-language impaired student eligible for educational services or equipment, or both, under Sections
37-23-1
through
37-23-150
.
Furthermore, these provisions do not prohibit a parent or legal guardian of a student who has an eligibility ruling of speech-language impairment, at any time, from choosing the option of a Mississippi Speech-Language Therapy Scholarship which would allow the student to attend another nonpublic special purpose school.
(2)
If the parent or legal guardian chooses the nonpublic school option and the student is accepted by the nonpublic school pending the availability of a space for the student, the parent or legal guardian of the student must notify the department thirty (30) days before the first scholarship payment and before entering the nonpublic school in order to be eligible for the scholarship when a space becomes available for the student in the nonpublic school.
Added by Laws, 2013, ch. 564, HB 896, 5, eff. 7/1/2013.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 37 - EDUCATION (§§ 37-NEW-001 — 37-NEW01-004) › Chapter 175 - MISSISSIPPI SPEECH-LANGUAGE THERAPY SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDENTS WITH SPEECH-LANGUAGE IMPAIRMENTS PROGRAM (§§ 37-175-1 — 37-175-29) › Section 37-175-11 - Parental, guardian and student obligations if applying for Mississippi Speech-Language Therapy Scholarship

A parent or legal guardian who applies for a Mississippi Speech-Language Therapy Scholarship is exercising his or her parental option to place his or her child in a nonpublic school. Each participating parent or legal guardian and student shall adhere to the following:
(a)
The parent or legal guardian must select the nonpublic school and apply for the admission of his or her child;
(b)
The parent or legal guardian must have requested the scholarship at least thirty (30) days before the date of the first scholarship payment;
(c)
Any student participating in the Mississippi Speech-Language Therapy Scholarship for Students with Speech-Language Impairments Program must remain in attendance throughout the school year unless excused by the school for illness or other good cause; and
(d)
Each parent or legal guardian and each student has an obligation to the nonpublic special purpose school to comply with the nonpublic special purpose school's published policies.
Added by Laws, 2013, ch. 564, HB 896, 6, eff. 7/1/2013.