MS HB972

Creates the "Volunteer and Parents Incentive Program Act" to be administered by the State Department of Education, targeting qualifying public schools in underperforming districts, areas with high poverty indicators, or schools with more than 50% at-risk students

Defines "at-risk students" as those experiencing academic deficits (behind in reading/math, low test scores, grade retention, language barriers) or facing challenging circumstances (parent/sibling dropouts, family abuse, substance abuse, fatherless homes, frequent relocations)

Requires the Department of Education to develop and publish "The Parents' Bill of Rights" by January 1, 2012, informing parents of children with individualized education programs (IEPs) of their federal and state rights

Guarantees parents specific rights including: attending IEP meetings with advocates, receiving evaluation copies, examining school records, disagreeing with decisions, pursuing complaints and mediation, and requesting accommodations for limited English proficiency

Ensures children's right to placement in the least restrictive environment and access to related services including assistive technology, speech pathology, physical therapy, counseling, transportation, and medical services for evaluation purposes