Bill > HB189

This bill, known as the "Mississippi High School Dropout Prevention Act of 2026," mandates that the State Department of Education collaborate with school districts that have the lowest high school graduation rates to develop and implement targeted dropout prevention strategies. These strategies may include early intervention for students struggling academically, alternative programs like dual enrollment, increased access to advanced courses, fee waivers for dual credit courses for low-income students, flexible programs for older students, supplemental education for middle schoolers, and specific support for at-risk youth such as those in foster care, pregnant or parenting teens, English language learners, and students with special education needs. The Department will collect data on truancy, enrollment in alternative programs, student re-engagement, and academic performance to ensure programs are effective and will report annually on the outcomes of these strategies and any necessary modifications. Furthermore, the bill establishes new conditions for 17-year-old students to withdraw from school, requiring agreement from the student, parent or guardian, and school administrator, along with written acknowledgment of the potential negative consequences of dropping out, and allowing withdrawal only for specific reasons like documented financial hardship, illness, or court order. If a habitually absent 17-year-old cannot be reached, the school may withdraw them after documented attempts to contact the parent or guardian, with provisions for re-enrollment if the child returns or if the withdrawal was an error.

Education

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB0189.xml