MS HB1360

State Department of Education must work with school districts having lowest high school graduation rates and incorporate dropout prevention strategies, targeted resources, and data gathering into progressive support and intervention programs.

Department shall develop targeted intervention methods for low-performing districts including early intervention for Algebra I failures, alternative programs, dual enrollment courses, advanced placement availability, course fee waivers for low-income students, and specialized support for at-risk youth including foster care, pregnant/parenting, and English learner students.

Department must collect and track specific data including truancy suspensions, alternative program enrollment, Algebra I/Grade 9 math failures, Grade 9 repetition rates, and graduation rates of children in Department of Human Services care for continuous program improvement.

School districts receiving progressive support intervention must submit annual written reports documenting dropout prevention strategy outcomes and modifications based on collected data.

Students age 17 may not withdraw from school before graduation unless student, parent/guardian, and administrator agree, with principal written consent, and withdrawal is due to documented financial hardship, illness, or court order accompanied by acknowledgement that withdrawal reduces future earnings potential.