MS HB1178

Amends Mississippi Code Section 37-13-92 to require school districts to conduct individualized assessments before placing children returning from out-of-home placements (mental health, juvenile justice, or foster care) into alternative schools.

Establishes specific timeframes for assessments: 5 days for children from group homes or Department of Human Services custody, and 10 days for children with youth court dispositional placement orders.

Requires individualized assessments to include strength needs evaluation, determination of academic strengths and deficiencies, and a transition plan to regular education at the earliest possible date.

Specifies that placement of students with disabilities must adhere to Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) requirements and follow consistent procedures across all placements.

Takes effect July 1, 2011.