MS SB2776

Directs the State Board of Education to change school and school district accreditation rating terminology from "Star," "High-Performing," "Successful," "Academic Watch," and "Low-Performing/At-Risk/Failing" to letter grades "A," "B," "C," "D," and "F" beginning with the 2011-2012 school year.

Maps existing ratings to new letter grades: "Star" becomes "A," "High-Performing" becomes "B," "Successful" becomes "C," "Academic Watch" becomes "D," and "Low-Performing/At-Risk/Failing" becomes "F."

Authorizes the State Board of Education to implement a permanent letter-grade accreditation system based on student achievement scores and growth when new curriculum and assessment standards are fully implemented.

Applies new letter-grade designations to school and district report cards required under state and federal law.

Effective date: July 1, 2012.