MS HB959

Changes terminology from "children" to "students" throughout the section governing disabilities performance standards and recognition programs.

Modifies the recognition program for schools with full inclusion of students with disabilities from mandatory ("shall") to discretionary ("may") for the State Department of Education.

Renames the "Committee for Special Education" to the "Mississippi Special Education Advisory Panel" and removes the fixed March 31 deadline, allowing the panel to determine submission deadlines annually.

Removes the requirement to recognize exactly one elementary, one middle school, and one high school, allowing recognition of "elementary, middle or high schools" based on entries submitted to the panel.

Shifts the timing of winner selection and recognition from a fixed April date and May State Board of Education meeting to dates determined by the panel and board respectively.