MS HB349

Exceptional students (those with intellectual disabilities, deafness, specific learning disabilities, physical handicaps, or emotional handicaps) who receive a special diploma, certificate of completion, or occupational diploma must be counted as "completers" for graduation rate calculations

School districts and the State Department of Education are prohibited from classifying these exceptional students as dropouts

Requires the State Board of Education to adopt rules and regulations defining exceptional students with alternative diplomas as completers for high school graduation rate purposes

Amends dropout prevention program requirements to include policies that count exceptional students receiving alternative diplomas in district graduation rates

Effective date: July 1, 2017