MS HB774

Authorizes local school districts to develop policies recognizing behaviors that may cause student underachievement, including inadequate rest, improper clothing, incomplete homework, and infrequent parent-teacher communication.

Requires teachers and schools implementing parental involvement policies to provide information packets, forms, or videos to parents outlining expectations for school attendance, physical readiness, school supplies, meals, immunizations, and academic support including homework and test preparation.

Mandates report cards for kindergarten through grade 12 students include a parental involvement grade assigned by teachers as satisfactory, in need of improvement, or unsatisfactory based on four criteria: parent responsiveness to communication, student homework completion, student attendance and tardiness, and overall grades.

Establishes an appeals process allowing parents to challenge parental involvement grades through meetings with the principal and teacher to discuss how the grade was determined and receive feedback on improvement steps.

Takes effect July 1, 2015.