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Bill > HB416
MS HB416
MS HB416Statewide testing program; require tests to be translated and printed in primary spoken language of ELL students.
summary
Introduced
01/10/2025
01/10/2025
In Committee
01/10/2025
01/10/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
02/04/2025
02/04/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An Act To Amend Sections 37-16-3 And 37-16-9, Mississippi Code Of 1972, Which Are Provisions Of The Statewide Testing Program, To Require The Uniform Basic Skills Tests To Be Administered In The Primary Spoken Language Of Students Identified As English Language Learners; To Require The State Department Of Education To Translate And Print The Assessments In The Appropriate Language For The Appropriate Grade Levels; To Require The Department To Provide School Districts In Need With Testing Observers Or Proctors Capable Of Providing Translation Assistance To Students Identified As English Language Learners; To Require School Districts To Request The Need For Translation Assistance Within A Reasonable Period Before The Administration Of Applicable Assessments; To Require School Districts To Report To The Department The Number Of, Grades Of And Primary Spoken Languages Of All English Language Learners Enrolled In Its Schools; To Bring Forward Section 37-16-5, Mississippi Code Of 1972, For Purposes Of Possible Amendment; And For Related Purposes.
AI Summary
This bill aims to improve statewide testing for English Language Learners (ELLs) in Mississippi by requiring the State Department of Education to translate and print uniform basic skills tests in the primary spoken language of ELL students. The bill mandates that school districts report the number, grades, and primary languages of ELL students, and requires the department to provide translation assistance during test administration. Specifically, for assessments other than English language arts, tests will be translated into students' native languages using approved translation methods. The bill also requires school districts to request translation assistance in advance, specifying the needed languages, number of students, and grade levels. Additionally, the legislation requires the State Department of Education to publicly report on ELL student participation and performance in assessments, starting in July 2025, with data disaggregated to provide a comprehensive view of ELL student achievement. The goal is to ensure that ELL students are not disadvantaged during standardized testing by providing appropriate language accommodations and support, thus creating a more equitable testing environment.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Died In Committee (on 02/04/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0416.xml |
| BillText | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2025/html/HB/0400-0499/HB0416IN.htm |
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