MS HB1424

Establishes the College and Career Readiness Planning Program requiring public schools to administer college readiness assessments to identify students unprepared for college-level coursework and reduce the need for remediation.

Mandates that beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, all public schools serving eighth grade must administer EXPLORE and all schools serving tenth grade must administer either PLAN or PSAT to their respective students.

Requires schools to incorporate assessment results into college and career planning processes for each student by the start of the 2024-2025 school year and use results to assist with course selection and academic achievement.

Authorizes funding for assessments through State Department of Education at-risk funding and requires the State Department to maintain data for improving college readiness, instruction, school improvement plans, and reducing college remediation rates.

Requires the State Department of Education to report to the House and Senate Education Committees on program implementation and effectiveness by September 30, 2026, and annually thereafter; becomes effective July 1, 2023.