MS HB576

Amends Section 37-16-9 of Mississippi Code to change testing provisions for students with identified disabilities from "modification" to "accommodations" for testing instruments and procedures.

Requires the state board to ensure test results reflect student achievement rather than impaired sensory, manual, speaking, or psychological process skills, except when those skills are what the test measures.

Mandates inclusion of children with disabilities in general statewide and district-wide assessment programs with appropriate accommodations where necessary.

Requires the State Department of Education and local educational agencies to develop policies and conduct alternate assessments for children unable to participate in standard statewide and district-wide programs, beginning not later than July 1, 2000.

Requires the State Department of Education to publicly report the number and performance of children with disabilities participating in regular and alternate assessments with the same frequency as nondisabled student data, effective July 1, 2010.