MS HB221

Requires all public schools to administer the EXPLORE assessment to eighth grade students and either PLAN or PSAT to tenth grade students beginning in the 2017-2018 school year to measure college readiness.

Schools must use assessment results to assist students with college and workforce readiness skills, course selection, and academic achievement, with full incorporation into college and career planning by the 2019-2020 school year.

Funding for the college readiness assessments may be paid using State Department of Education at-risk funding.

State Department of Education must collect and maintain data from the assessments to increase college readiness, improve instruction, enhance school improvement plans, and reduce college remediation rates.

State Department of Education must report to the House and Senate Education Committees annually beginning October 1, 2021, on the implementation and effectiveness of the program.