MS HB1534

School districts with "A" and "B" accountability ratings are exempted from reporting student grades, having discipline plans audited annually, submitting work reports to superintendents, participating in textbook selection, completing state surveys, and fulfilling continuing education unit requirements for teacher license renewal.

The State Board of Education must develop a grant program exclusively for school districts with "A" and "B" accountability ratings to fund innovative educational programs.

School districts with "A" and "B" ratings may choose whether to employ a school attendance officer and may provide certain incentives to teachers such as loan forgiveness and housing assistance.

School attendance officers must visit the home or place of residence of a compulsory-school-age child within 72 hours of an unexcused absence for consultation with the parent or legal guardian, with schools required to report all absences by end of each school day.

The act takes effect July 1, 2016.