MS HB204

School boards must adopt policies requiring middle and junior high schools to develop academic plans for students at initial enrollment, including educational goals, required courses, available honors and career/technical programs, and teacher expectations.

Students and parents must work with school counselors to develop, review, and revise academic plans at least annually, though failure to meet all goals does not prevent promotion to high school if other requirements are met.

School districts with middle or junior high schools enrolling 500 or more students must establish small learning communities with dedicated geographical areas, designated counselors, administrators, and mentors for first-year students.

All middle and junior high schools must implement peer mentoring programs (which may include adult mentoring) to help students transition from elementary school, with principals submitting annual reports on program activities and effectiveness.

School boards must adopt all required policies by January 1, 2013, for implementation in the 2013-2014 school year, and must report to the State Superintendent by July 1, 2013.