MS HB217

Establishes the "Mississippi High School Dropout Prevention Act of 2012" requiring the State Department of Education to identify and work with school districts having the lowest high school graduation rates.

Requires the department to develop targeted intervention methods including early intervention for students failing Algebra I, alternative reenengagement programs, dual enrollment courses, advanced placement courses, and fee waivers for low-income students in dual credit courses.

Mandates data collection on high school suspensions related to truancy, alternative program enrollment, Algebra I failures, Grade 9 repetitions, and graduation rates of children in Department of Human Services care.

Restricts students aged 16-17 from withdrawing from school unless approved by student, parent/guardian, and administrator, with withdrawal only permitted for documented financial hardship, illness, or court order, and requires written acknowledgement of reduced future earnings.

Sets a legislative goal to increase cohort class graduation rates to 85% by the 2018-2019 school year with graduation benchmarks established for each two-year period; effective July 1, 2012.