MS HB969

Establishes a Trimester School Year Pilot Program for the State Board of Education to test feasibility of implementing trimester calendars in Mississippi public schools.

Board shall select up to 12 eligible school districts for the 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 school years, with at least one district per congressional district, considering size, accreditation level, location, and demographics.

Participating school districts must operate on a calendar with three trimesters of at least 75 days each, 15-day breaks between trimesters (with up to 14 days for teacher work days), and a minimum 225-day school year.

Establishes core curriculum requirements for grades 4-12 in participating districts covering Language Arts, Math, Foreign Language, Social Studies, and Science, with standardized testing and machine-scored results reported in pass/fail format only.

Increases funding for participating districts under the Mississippi Adequate Education Program using a formula based on the difference between 225 days and the average attendance days in non-participating districts; requires report to legislative education committees by January 1, 2017 on pilot program results and recommendations.