MS HB455

Requires the State Board of Education to promulgate a rule establishing exclusive goals, objectives, strategies, indicators and benchmarks for Mississippi's public education system by July 1, 2018.

Sets five exclusive goals for public education: academic achievement exceeding national/international averages, full preparation for postsecondary education or employment, functional literacy for all working-age adults, health/safety and character development, and equitable educational opportunities.

Establishes nine policy-oriented objectives including rigorous curriculum, accountability systems, balanced assessment processes, personnel allocation aligned with 21st century needs, safe school environments, leadership development, technology access, alignment with postsecondary programs, and universal pre-kindergarten.

Establishes five performance-oriented objectives including first-grade readiness, 50% improvement for lowest-performing students, 90% high school graduation rate, and college attendance rates for lowest-attending counties to match state average and then exceed Southern Regional Education Board averages.

Creates an education partnership including public education, state institutions of higher learning, community colleges, and coordinating boards to collaboratively work toward state education goals through instruction, public service, and research initiatives.