MS HB1230

Creates the Office of Dropout Prevention within the State Department of Education, administered by a director appointed by the State Superintendent of Public Education.

Requires each school district to implement a dropout prevention program approved by the Office of Dropout Prevention beginning in the 2012-2013 school year and annually thereafter.

Assigns local school districts responsibility for reducing dropouts through plans addressing prevention initiatives, retention rates in early grades (K-2), and support for subgroups needing additional assistance.

Authorizes the Office of Dropout Prevention to provide technical assistance to school districts upon written request and to collaborate with other state education offices on dropout reduction policies.

Establishes a legislative goal of increasing the state graduation rate for cohort classes to at least 85% by the 2018-2019 school year, with the Office of Dropout Prevention setting two-year benchmarks from 2008-2009 through 2018-2019.