Bill > HB460

This bill amends the Mississippi Elementary Schools Assistant Teacher Program to provide additional funding specifically for assistant teachers in lower-performing school districts. Currently classified as "C," "D," and "F" districts will receive targeted funding to employ extra assistant teachers: one additional assistant teacher for "C" districts, two for "D" districts, and three for "F" districts. These funds can only be used to hire assistant teachers and are intended to supplement existing assistant teacher funding. The bill maintains the original program's requirements that assistant teachers assist licensed teachers in kindergarten through third-grade classrooms, help with instruction under supervision, and meet minimum qualifications like having a high school diploma and demonstrating reading and writing proficiency. The new funding is designed to provide extra instructional support in districts that may be struggling academically, with a focus on improving early childhood education by reducing student-to-teacher ratios and providing more classroom assistance. The provisions will take effect on July 1, 2025, allowing school districts time to prepare for the additional staffing resources.

Education

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0460.xml