Bill > HB373

This bill establishes a College and Career Readiness Planning Program in Mississippi's public schools to help students better prepare for post-secondary education and workforce opportunities. Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, the bill requires public schools to administer specific pre-college assessments: EXPLORE for eighth-grade students and either PLAN or PSAT for tenth-grade students. These assessments are designed to provide early insights into students' academic readiness, help identify areas for improvement, and guide course selection and career planning. The bill recognizes that many students enter college unprepared, requiring remedial courses that increase educational costs and delay degree completion. By implementing these assessments, schools can track student performance, provide targeted support, and help students develop the necessary skills to succeed in higher education or the workforce. The State Department of Education will collect and analyze data from these assessments to improve instruction, enhance school improvement plans, and reduce college remediation rates. The department is also required to report on the program's implementation and effectiveness to legislative education committees by September 30, 2028, and annually thereafter, ensuring ongoing evaluation and potential refinement of the program.

Education

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0373.xml