MS HB346

Requires the State Department of Education to submit a request to the U.S. Department of Education for flexibility from No Child Left Behind Act requirements in exchange for state-developed improvement plans through the 2014-2015 school year.

Department must demonstrate college- and career-ready standards in reading/language arts and mathematics, implement aligned annual assessments for grades 3-8 and high school, and develop English language proficiency standards and assessments.

Requires a system of differentiated accountability identifying "priority schools" (lowest-performing) and "at-risk schools" (largest achievement gaps) with mandatory interventions and turnaround strategies for each.

Department and local educational agencies must develop teacher and principal evaluation systems using at least three performance levels, incorporating student growth data as a significant factor, and using results to inform personnel decisions.

Protects existing employee rights, remedies, and procedures under federal, state, local laws, regulations, court orders, and collective bargaining agreements.