MS HB216

Requires all students pursuing degrees in early childhood, elementary, secondary, or special education and school administration at public or private postsecondary institutions to complete a minimum of 15 class hours of dyslexia education with a minimum grade of 80% before graduation, beginning with the 2017-2018 academic year.

Mandates that all candidates applying for Mississippi teacher licensure (early childhood, elementary, secondary, special education, or school administration) must show proof of completing an approved dyslexia education course with a minimum 80% grade as of July 1, 2017.

Exempts educators and administrators employed as of July 1, 2015 from the dyslexia education requirement but authorizes school districts to provide voluntary training through licensed dyslexia therapists subject to available funding.

Specifies that dyslexia education courses must adhere to the International Dyslexia Association's Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading, covering foundation concepts, language structure knowledge, and knowledge of dyslexia and learning disorders.

Designates a portion of the State Department of Education's annual appropriation for professional development to be reallocated to higher education institutions for hiring dyslexia education experts to instruct required courses.