MS HB917

Requires the State Board of Education to adopt a rule establishing goals, objectives, strategies, indicators, and benchmarks for Mississippi's public education system by July 1, 2011.

Establishes five exclusive education goals including academic achievement exceeding national averages, preparation for postsecondary education or employment, functional literacy for all adults, student health and safety, and equitable education opportunities.

Mandates nine policy-oriented objectives including rigorous curriculum, twenty-first century accountability systems, balanced assessment processes, aligned personnel licensing, safe school environments, leadership development, technology access, postsecondary alignment, and universal prekindergarten.

Establishes five performance-oriented objectives with specific measurable targets including kindergarten readiness, 50% improvement for lowest-performing students, 90% high school graduation rate, and college attendance rate increases in the ten lowest-performing counties.

Establishes ten goals for public higher education focused on enhancing quality of life, lifelong learning, workforce development, economic diversification, student completion, research and innovation, productivity, and physical fitness and wellness programs.