MS HB5

Establishes the "English Language Arts and Mathematics-Based Promotion Act" to ensure all students completing fourth grade read and perform math at or above grade level by demonstrating proficiency in reading comprehension, writing, speaking, listening, and mathematical problem-solving.

Requires school districts to provide intensive English language arts and mathematics instruction and intervention to students identified with substantial deficiencies in kindergarten through fourth grade, with screening at the beginning, middle, and end of each school year.

Prohibits student grade advancement based solely on age or social promotion factors; beginning in 2017-2018, students scoring at the lowest achievement level in English language arts and mathematics on state assessments cannot be promoted to fifth grade unless they meet one of five specified good cause exemptions.

Mandates parent notification whenever a student is identified with deficiencies, including descriptions of services, proposed interventions, promotion consequences, and strategies for home support; requires retained fourth grade students receive minimum 90 minutes daily of research-based instruction plus tutoring, reduced class ratios, and placement with high-performing teachers.

Requires school districts to publish annual data in local newspapers showing student performance by grade, retention rates, good cause promotion numbers, and policy changes; establishes a Mississippi English Language Arts and Mathematics Panel to recommend alternative assessments for promotion determination.