MS SB2928

Amends Section 37-106-71 to clarify that service under the Mississippi Dyslexia Education Forgivable Loan Program may be rendered on the basis of two years' part-time service counting as one year's loan forgiveness.

Establishes a separate special fund for the Mississippi Dyslexia Education Forgivable Loan Program and authorizes the State Board of Education to accept monetary gifts and donations from public or private sources for program funding.

Limits annual admission to no more than 20 students per cohort and requires that loans only be awarded to students accepted into a State Department of Education-approved Dyslexia Therapy Master's Degree Cohort Program.

Authorizes the State Department of Education to provide up to $50,000 annually per school district for recruitment and employment of licensed dyslexia therapy professionals, with funding subject to legislative appropriation and specific district criteria including use of Orton-Gillingham-based therapy and trained school leadership.

Takes effect July 1, 2018.