MS SB2396

Directs the State Department of Education to establish a single "A" through "F" school and district accountability system effective with the 2013-2014 school year that satisfies both federal and state requirements.

Establishes five performance categories ("A," "B," "C," "D," and "F") based on student achievement, individual student growth, and four-year graduation rates, replacing previous rating designations like "Star," "High-Performing," and "Successful."

Sets educational goals including ensuring all students exit third grade reading on grade level by 2015, reducing dropout rates to 13% by 2015, and achieving 60% of students scoring proficient on Common Core assessments by 2016.

Designates schools earning "A" grades as Reward schools, "D" grades as Focus schools, and "F" grades as Priority schools, with at least 5% of schools identified as Priority and 10% as Focus if applicable percentages are not naturally occurring.

Discontinues use of Quality Distribution Index (QDI), High School Completer Index (HSCI), and previous accountability designations while incorporating a standards-based growth model to support individual student learning improvement.