MS SB2521

Requires school districts to employ an assistant teacher/reading instructor for each kindergarten, first-grade, second-grade, and third-grade class in the district.

Assistant teachers must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent and demonstrate proficiency in reading and writing skills, subject to State Department of Education testing.

State shall allot sufficient funding to school districts for employing assistant teachers/reading instructors with a minimum salary of $12,500 annually as of the 2007-2008 school year.

School districts must submit a reading improvement plan and develop educational accountability measures including pretests and posttests for reading in grades 1-6 to receive funding.

Effective July 1, 2019.