MS HB194

Creates the "Volunteer and Parents Incentive Program Act" requiring the State Department of Education to develop a mentoring program pairing trained parent and community volunteers with at-risk students in qualifying public schools

Defines "at-risk students" as those experiencing academic deficits (behind in grade level, low test scores, history of failure) or facing challenging circumstances (parent/sibling dropout, fatherless home, abuse history, working 20+ hours weekly during school)

Qualifying public schools include those in underperforming districts, districts with low-cost housing/high unemployment/high food stamp use, or schools with over 50% at-risk student populations

Requires the State Department of Education to develop and publish "The Parents' Bill of Rights" by January 1, 2013, informing parents of children with individualized education programs (IEPs) of their federal and state rights

Parents' rights outlined include attending IEP meetings with advocates, receiving evaluations, requesting independent evaluations at public expense, accessing school records, pursuing complaint procedures, and ensuring least restrictive educational placement