MS HB213

Expands the Mississippi Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship for Students with Dyslexia Program to include students in grades 1 through 12, previously limited to grade 6.

Establishes scholarships allowing eligible dyslexic students to attend alternative public schools or state-accredited nonpublic special purpose schools providing comprehensive dyslexia therapy delivered by licensed dyslexia therapists.

Sets maximum scholarship amount at the Mississippi Adequate Education Program base student cost, with payments disbursed in 12 equal installments upon verification of enrollment and attendance.

Requires local school districts to screen students for dyslexia in spring of kindergarten and fall of grade 1 using assessments for phonological awareness, sound-symbol recognition, alphabet knowledge, decoding, encoding, and rapid naming.

Extends the program's repeal date from July 1, 2016 to July 1, 2019, and takes effect July 1, 2016.