MS HB1200

Allows Certified Academic Language Therapists (CALT) to be employed by school districts to provide dyslexia therapy services, expanding eligibility beyond licensed dyslexia therapists

Permits students diagnosed with dyslexia to receive dyslexia therapy from either a Mississippi Department of Education licensed dyslexia therapist or a certified academic language therapist in Orton-Gillingham based instructional programs

Authorizes school districts to use up to $50,000 annually in state funding for recruitment, placement, and employment of qualified dyslexia therapy professionals, including certified academic language therapists, subject to legislative appropriation

Requires school districts receiving funding to employ licensed dyslexia therapists, certified academic language therapists, or individuals in approved training programs; use daily Orton-Gillingham-based therapy; and maintain trained school leadership in dyslexia

Takes effect July 1, 2023