MS HB1571

Establishes Mississippi UPSTART, a home-based educational technology program using computers and internet to teach reading, math, and science to preschool children ages 4-5 not yet in kindergarten.

Authorizes State Board of Education to contract with a not-for-profit organization to deliver the program, with standards including computer-assisted instruction, technical support, parent communication capabilities, and multisensory reading instruction.

Requires participating school districts to provide administrative and technical support, with funding for paraprofessional staff, travel, materials and training; at least 30% of participants must be from low-income families.

Mandates annual audits of contractor's fund use and annual legislative reports to education committees by November 30, including participation numbers, software usage data, student performance comparisons, and program obstacles.

Prohibits use of any state general funds for establishing or implementing the program; all funding must come from public or private sources other than state appropriations.