MS SB2340

Requires the State Board of Education to promulgate a rule establishing Vision 2020 that includes five exclusive goals for public education: academic achievement exceeding national/international averages, full student preparation for postsecondary education or employment, functional literacy for all working-age adults, student health/safety/character development, and equitable education opportunities for all students.

Mandates the rule include nine policy-oriented objectives covering rigorous 21st century curriculum, accountability systems, balanced assessment processes, personnel allocation aligned with modern needs, safe school environments, leadership development, equitable technology access, alignment with postsecondary programs, and universal prekindergarten.

Establishes five performance-oriented objectives including: first-grade readiness for all children, 50% improvement for lowest-performing students, 90% high school graduation rate for ninth graders, and increased college attendance rates in the ten lowest counties by 2020 and 2021.

Sets goals for higher education focused on enhancing quality of life, promoting lifelong learning, increasing access across socioeconomic backgrounds, diversifying the economy, supporting student completion, ensuring program accreditation, promoting research, and emphasizing institutional productivity and employee compensation.

Creates an education partnership among public education, state institutions of higher learning, community colleges, and state policymakers to align institutional missions with state goals through instruction, public service, and research activities.