MS SB2866

Requires the State Department of Education to acknowledge and accept the Cambridge Assessment or other nationally recognized assessments used by schools in districts of innovation as alternatives to the state's MAP assessments and subject area testing program for determining student proficiency and assigning accountability ratings.

Directs the State Board of Education to develop procedures for accepting alternative nationally recognized assessments used by schools in districts of innovation in lieu of MAP assessments.

Requires schools in districts of innovation using alternative assessments to be assigned accountability designations (A-F grades) based on student performance compared to the state's cut scores for each designation on the statewide assessment system.

Amends Section 37-17-6 to allow districts of innovation flexibility in using alternative assessments while maintaining compliance with state accountability standards and student performance requirements.

Modifies the definition and requirements for districts of innovation to include acceptable performance standards for alternative assessments like Cambridge Assessment in their innovation plans.