House Bill 10 Summary

• Creates new Section 37-16-2 requiring the State Board of Education to contract with a single entity to develop and administer ACT Aspire as Mississippi's comprehensive statewide assessment program for grades 3-10, Algebra I, and English II, aligned to Mississippi College and Career-Ready Standards.

• Mandates full implementation of ACT Aspire statewide assessment in all public schools beginning in the 2020-2021 school year, replacing previous assessment systems.

• Requires the assessment system to include three components: standards-based summative assessments for grades 3-10, end-of-course assessments for Algebra I and English II, and a job skills assessment leading to nationally recognized career readiness certificates.

• Prohibits the State Board of Education from contracting with entities previously involved with PARCC or Smarter Balance assessments, or any assessment aligned with Common Core State Standards, unless specifically authorized by future legislation.

• Allows certain exceptional children with Individualized Education Plans to earn standard diplomas upon meeting their IEP requirements and State Board minimum requirements, rather than requiring special diplomas.