MS HB639

Clarifies that students participating in an approved General Educational Development (GED) Option program are not considered dropouts for funding purposes.

Allows GED Option programs to be administered by a local school district alone or through a contractual agreement between a school district and a community college or other local entity.

Requires students in GED Option programs to have an Individual Career Plan addressing academic needs, job readiness, and work experience options, with parental approval required for placement.

Sets eligibility criteria for GED Option program placement: student must be at least 16 years old, at least one grade level behind ninth grade cohort or have fewer than four Carnegie units, and be certified by the school district superintendent.

Effective July 1, 2011.