MS HB456

Requires all public middle schools to provide a program (directly or through partnerships with community colleges or other school districts) for college-bound students to meet minimum college entrance requirements.

Mandates middle schools establish programs for students pursuing career or work opportunities, focusing on academic application, occupation-specific skills, multiple career pathways, and employability skills.

Provides state funding to middle schools approved by the State Department of Education to offer career and technical education programs in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.

Qualifies middle schools offering hands-on science, technology, engineering, or mathematics experiences with integrated academic and career/technical education curricula for career and technical education funding.

Effective date: July 1, 2018.