MS SB2294: Education; institute initiatives to promote literacy in math, reading, finance, computer science, and civics. Verified

SB2294, known as the Mississippi Math Act, establishes the Moving Mathematics in Mississippi (M3) Program within the State Department of Education. This program includes K-12 mathematics coaching, K-5 mathematics screening and interventions, and an Algebra-readiness indicator based on the Grade 5 statewide mathematics assessment scale score. It also mandates professional development for teachers across various grade levels. The bill creates the Moving Mathematics in Mississippi Fund and requires annual reporting to the legislature. Additionally, it sets forth intervention strategies for literacy proficiency among students in grades 4-8, requiring Individual Reading Plans (IRPs) for students with reading deficiencies. These IRPs must be developed within 30 days of identifying a deficiency and involve teachers, interventionists, and parents. Parents must be notified in writing within 10 business days of identifying a reading deficiency. The bill also provides for supplemental or intensive interventions for incoming students in grades 4-8 identified with a reading deficiency. The State Department of Education is required to provide a system of support for school and district instructional leaders, content-area teachers, literacy coaches, dyslexia therapists, interventionists, tutors, and other identified personnel to ensure they have the knowledge and skills to support students with reading difficulties. The State Board of Education has the authority to enforce and promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions promoting literacy proficiency. The bill also mandates remediation for students whose reading deficiencies are not remedied by the end of eighth grade. The J.P. Wilemon, Jr., Financial Literacy Act requires financial literacy education for grades 6-8 starting in the 2027-2028 school year. For high school students, beginning with the class of 2029-2030, a computer science course or a career and technical education course with embedded computer science is required for graduation. Civics education is mandated to start in the 8th grade and be completed before the end of 12th grade, beginning in the 2027-2028 school year, and must align with current civics scholarship. The bill also includes the Mississippi Future Innovators Act.