MS HB457

Establishes the Hope and Opportunity Pathways through Education (HOPE) Program administered by the State Department of Education to re-enroll high school dropouts and enable them to earn a diploma.

Awards grants to school districts to establish instructional programs and support services for dropouts up to age 21, including year-round, evening, summer, online, dual enrollment, vocational, and work-experience options.

Requires school districts to develop State Board of Education-approved HOPE Plans involving community colleges and community programs; districts may operate programs directly or contract with not-for-profit entities.

Distributes HOPE Program funding based on each district's proportion of the state's total dropouts; students in approved programs can be counted toward adequate education program average daily attendance for funding purposes.

Mandates funded programs include nine minimum components: small program size (70-100 students), performance-based goals, experienced staff with professional development, voluntary enrollment, high learning standards, comprehensive support services, full-time mentors, technology learning centers, and action-based learning opportunities.