MS HB745

Clarifies good cause exemptions under the Literacy-Based 4th Grade Promotion Act to include students with IEPs or Section 504 plans who were previously retained in kindergarten through third grade.

Implements a one-year hold harmless provision for third graders during the 2014-2015 school year who fail to meet adequate performance levels on approved standardized assessments, prohibiting retention based solely on assessment scores.

Requires schools to provide intensive reading instruction and intervention to third graders who fail the assessment, with strategies informed by specialized diagnostic information.

Mandates written notification to parents or legal guardians of affected students informing them that their child will not be retained in third grade for failing the standardized assessment alone, including a description of proposed interventions.

Requires the State Board of Education to review and study assessment results for one year to determine best practices for improving reading proficiency among students failing to meet adequate performance levels.