Current through March 14, 2024
ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL
1. The local school board and the
superintendent of schools shall exercise due diligence in performing the
respective duties of each office in accordance with applicable law. The local
school board's responsibilities shall pertain to matters of setting policy and
shall not interfere in the day-to-day operations of the school district that
include, but are not limited to, such duties as those relating to personnel and
management decisions. Failure to comply shall result in the immediate downgrade
of the district's accreditation status to Probation or Withdrawn as indicated
in Accreditation Policy 2.5. Miss. Code Ann. §§ 25-41-1 et al.;
§ 25-61- 1 through 17; § 37-3-4(5); §§ 37-6-7, 9, 11, and
15; §37-7-306(1-4); §§ 37-9-1 through 75; §§ 37-9-101
through 113; §37-7-301(p)(w); § 37-6-3(3-4); § 37-9-7, 13, 14;
§ 37-61-9; § 37-151-5(h); and Federal Civil Rights Act of
1964.
1.1 The school board assigns
all executive and administrative duties to the superintendent, who is properly
licensed and chosen in the manner prescribed by law. Miss. Code Ann. §
37-6-3(3-4); § 37- 9-7, 13, 14; § 37-61-9; and §
37-151-5(h).
1.2 School board
policies that comply with state and federal statutes, rules, and regulations
serve as the basis of operation for the district, and current copies (print or
electronic) of school board policies are published and available for public
review. Miss. Code Ann. § 25-41-7; §§ 25-61-1 through 17;
§§ 37- 9-1 through 75; §§ 37-9-101 through 113; §
37-7-301(p)(w); and Federal Civil Rights Act of
1964.
1.3 School board
members complete required basic and continuing education programs in order to
effectively perform their duties in the manner prescribed by law. Miss. Code
Ann. §§ 25-41-1 et. al; §§ 25-61-1 through 17; §
37-3-4(5); § 37-6-7, 9, 11, and 15; and § 37-7-306(1-4).
2. All district professional
positions requiring licensed staff are filled by staff that are properly
licensed and endorsed as required by state law and federal requirements of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Miss. Code Ann.
§ 37-9-7 7, Miss. Admin. Code 7-3: 80.1 and 80.2. State Board Policy
Chapter 80, Rules 80.1 and 80.2, and ESEA, and Federal Code.
2.1 The school district employs an
appropriately licensed full-time principal at each school. The principal may
not have any other job duties assigned in areas that require a specific work
area code unless a waiver is granted by the Commission on School Accreditation.
This standard does not apply to assistant principals. Miss. Code Ann. §
37-9-7, § 37-9-15, and § 37-151-5(g).
2.2 The professional (certified) staff in
each school shall not have more than 5% of Full Time Equivalent (FTE) units
working outside of the area(s) of endorsement. This exception does not apply
to:
* course codes that fall within the academic core content
areas (English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Foreign
Language, and the Arts),
* Health and Physical Education teachers teaching subjects
where a Carnegie Unit Credit is being awarded (See Miss. Admin. Code
7-3: 38.12, State Board Policy Chapter 38, Rule 38.12),
* Career and Technical Education courses (See Miss.
Admin. Code 7-3: 92.1 State Board Policy Chapter 92, Rule
92.1),
* Driver's Education (See Miss. Code Ann.
§37-25-5 and Miss. Admin. Code 7-3: 29.1, State Board Policy Chapter 29,
Rule 29.1),
* federally funded special education teachers,
* alternative school teachers (See Miss. Admin. Code 7-3:
7.1, State Board Policy Chapter 7, Rule 7.1), or
* other subjects that require a specific endorsement as
determined by the federal and state statute.
An appropriate license is required for superintendents,
principals, librarians, guidance counselors, and speech language pathologist.
Assistant principals and administrative interns who are not properly endorsed
may be included in the 5% FTE working outside their area of endorsement,
provided they do not act in the place of the principal.
2.3 The school district employs in each
school a licensed librarian or media specialist who devotes no more than
one-fourth (1/4) of the workday to library/media administrative activities.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37- 17-6(3) (a-e).
2.3.1 If the student enrollment is 499 or
less, a half-time licensed librarian or media specialist is required.
2.3.2 If the student enrollment is 500 or
more, a full-time licensed librarian or media specialist is required.
2.4 Student support services
(appraisal, academic, and/or personal advisement, and educational and/or career
planning and referral) are provided in each school by qualified student support
personnel. Student support personnel may include professional school counselors
and/or other appropriately licensed student support staff, including nurses,
social workers, psychometrists, psychologist, etc. Other student support
personnel may only provide those services and activities in the area(s) he/she
specifically qualified, trained, and certified to provide. All student support
services personnel shall use an appropriate job title that reflects the area of
training, expertise, and licenses.
2.4.1 If a
professional school counselor is employed to provide student support services,
the professional school counselor shall provide services in accordance with
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-9-79. A professional school counselor shall not
assume any non-counseling duties (e.g., administrator, teacher, test
coordinator, interventionist, etc.).
2.5 The school district employs a school
business officer/administrator whose qualifications meet the criteria
established by the Mississippi Department of Education and whose primary job
responsibilities are conducting, supervising, and/or directing the financial
affairs and operations of the school district. (Miss. Admin. Code 7-3: 71.1 and
71.2, State Board Policy Chapter 71, Rules 71.1 and 71.2.)
3. The school district implements an annual,
formal personnel appraisal system for licensed staff that includes assessment
of employee on-the-job performance. Miss. Code Ann. § 37-3-46(b)
3.1 Superintendent Evaluation using the
assessment benchmarks established by the Mississippi School Boards Association
(MSBA) and consistent with assessment components defined in Miss. Code Ann.
§ 37-7-301.
3.2 Principal and
Assistant Principal Effectiveness using the Professional Growth System (PGS)
for Administrators.
3.3 Teacher
Effectiveness using the Professional Growth System (PGS) for
Teachers.
3.4 Counselor
Effectiveness using the Professional Growth System (PGS) for
Counselors.
3.5 Annual employee
performance data shall be submitted to the MDE following the guidelines in the
MDE Educator and Administrator Professional Growth System Guidelines. Districts
shall adhere to revision dates as determined by the MDE and implement only the
current version.
3.6 Administrators
who rate school-level administrators, counselors, librarians, and teachers, and
teacher-observers shall complete an MDE-approved Professional Growth System
(PGS) training.
3.7 Other,
non-licensed, district staff evaluations as determined by local school board
policy.
4. The local
school board obtains an annual financial audit of the school district, as
conducted under the guidelines of the Office of the State Auditor, no later
than nine months after the end of the district's fiscal year. Miss. Code Ann.
§ 7-7-211(e) (Miss. Admin. Code 7- 3: 10.1, State Board Policy Chapter 10,
Rule 10.1. 2 C.F.R. Part 200.
4.1 The most
recent annual financial audit report of the school district, as conducted under
the guidelines of the Office of the State Auditor, indicates a fixed asset
system of accountability that provides verification of fixed assets and fixed
assets records. Miss. Code Ann. § 37-17-6(18).
4.2 The most recent annual financial audit
report of the school district, as conducted under the guidelines of the Office
of the State Auditor, indicates no less than a zero fund balance (as defined by
generally accepted accounting principles) for all funds of the school district.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-61-19.
4.3 The most recent annual financial audit
report of the school district, as conducted under the guidelines of the Office
of the State Auditor, verifies the process for distributing Educational
Enhancement Fund procurement cards to all eligible teachers. Miss. Code Ann.
§ 37-61-33(3)(iii), Miss. Admin. Code 7-3: 32.1, State Board Policy
Chapter 32, Rule 32.1.
4.4 The most
recent annual financial audit report of the school district, as conducted under
the guidelines of the Office of the State Auditor, indicates an unqualified
opinion (as defined by generally accepted auditing standards) on the financial
statements of the school district. Miss. Code Ann. § 37-9-18(2) and §
37-61-29.
4.5 The most recent
annual financial audit report of the school district, as conducted under the
guidelines of the Office of the State Auditor, verifies the local school board
has received, reviewed and discussed, as reflected in official minutes of the
regularly scheduled monthly meeting, the financial reports required by state
law and/or the State Board of Education. Miss. Code Ann. § 37-9-18(1),
§ 37-37-7(2)(e), § 37-37-13, Miss. Admin. Code 7-3: 71.3, State Board
Policy Chapter 71, Rule 71.3.
4.6
The most recent annual financial audit report of the school district, as
conducted under the guidelines of the Office of the State Auditor, verifies the
accuracy and timely compilation and reporting of all financial data, including
the year-end data provided through the Financial Exchange Transfer System
(FETS), required for submission to the MS Department of Education by the
fifteenth day of October, each year, in accordance with state law and/or the
State Board of Education. Miss. Code Ann. § 37-37-7(2)(e), §
37-61-21(2), and § 37-37-13.
4.7 The most recent annual financial data of
the school district, as submitted to the MS Department of Education, verifies a
7% fund balance of the district maintenance fund. Miss. Code Ann. §
37-61-8.
5. The most
recent annual financial audit report of the school district, as conducted under
the guidelines of the Office of the State Auditor, verifies the following:
5.1 The local school board submits the annual
budget to the levying authority and the prescribed budgetary information to the
MS Department of Education by the fifteenth day of August, each year, in
accordance with state law and/or the State Board of Education. Miss. Code Ann.
§ 37-61-9(1) through (3).
5.2
The local school board budgets and expends funds under the Public School Health
Insurance Plan as required by state law and State Board policy. Failure to
remit premiums, interest penalties, and/or late charges in a timely manner may
result in withholding a school district's adequate education program funds
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-151-95, Miss. Admin. Code 7-3: 48.4, State Board
Policy Chapter 48, Rule 48.4.
SCHOOL OPERATIONS
6. The school district complies with state
law and State Board of Education policy on enrollment requirements.
6.1 Residency requirements. Miss. Code Ann.
§ 37-15-29, Miss. Admin. Code 7-3: 68.1, State Board Policy Chapter 68,
Rule 68.1
6.2 Immunization
requirements. Miss. Code Ann. § 37-7-301(i), § 37-15-1, and §
41-23-37
6.3 Age of entry
requirements. Miss. Code Ann. §37-15-9
7. Any transfer student from a school or
program (correspondence, tutorial, or home study) not accredited regionally or
by a state board of education [or its designee(s)] is given either a
standardized achievement test(s) or teacher-made special subject test(s) to
determine the appropriate classification of the student within thirty (30) days
after filing for transfer. Notice of the administering of such test(s) shall be
given to the applicant not less than five (5) days prior to the date of the
administration of such test. Miss. Code Ann. § 37-15-33, Miss. Admin. Code
7-3: 36.2, 36.4, State Board Policy Chapter 36, Rules 36.2-36.4.
8. Permanent records and cumulative folders
for individual students contain all required data and are collected,
maintained, and disseminated in compliance with state law, the Family
Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, and the Confidentiality
Section of the Individuals with Disabilities Act, 1997
Amendments. See Appendix E and the current edition of the Mississippi
Cumulative Folders and Permanent Records Manual of
Directions.
9. The school
district engages in planning to review the educational status of each school in
the district and to address specific actions relative to accreditation and
performance separately. Miss. Code Ann. § 37-3- 49(2)(e).
10. The school district implements procedures
for monitoring and reporting student absences as specified in the Mississippi
Compulsory Attendance Law. Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-91, Miss. Admin. Code
7-3: 30.1 and 30.2, State Board Policy Chapter 30, Rules 30.1 and 30.2.
10.1 The most recent annual audit report of
the school district, as conducted under the guidelines of the State Auditor's
Office, verifies the accuracy, validity, and timely reporting of all student
data submitted to the MDE, including, but not limited to, the electronic
transmission of student enrollment, attendance, transportation, absenteeism,
graduation, dropouts, and any other student data and administrative functions
as deemed necessary. Miss. Code Ann. § 37-37-7(2)(b)(c)(d) and §
37-37-13.
11. The school
district shall develop and implement a program designed to keep students in
school and to lower student dropout rates. Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-80,
Miss. Admin. Code 7-3: 30.5, State Board Policy Chapter 30, Rule
30.5.
12. There is an organized
system to encourage community involvement, parental communication, and business
partnerships in school district decision-making. Miss. Code Ann. §
37-7-337 (Districts Meeting the Highest Levels of Performance are exempted.)
12.1 A school district that has been
designated as Failing (F) as defined by the State Board of Education shall
establish a community-based pre-kindergarten through higher education (P-16)
council. Miss. Code Ann. § 37-18-5(4)
12.2 A district and/or a school designated as
a D or F shall establish a community-based pre-kindergarten through higher
education (P-16) council.
13. The academic year provides a minimum of
180 teaching days in which both teachers and pupils are in regular attendance
for scheduled classroom instruction. Any request for an exception to this
standard must be submitted in writing to the Commission on School Accreditation
for review and action. If the Governor has declared a disaster emergency or the
President of the United States has declared an emergency or major disaster to
exist in this state, the local school board may request approval from the State
Board of Education to operate the schools in its district for less than one
hundred eighty (180) days. Miss. Code Ann. § 37-151-7(3)(c), Miss. Code
Ann. § 37-3-49, §§ 37-13-61 through 69, § 37-151-5(j), and
§ 37-151-7(3)(c).
13.1 The teaching day
must provide at least 330 minutes of instruction per day. Miss. Code Ann.
37-13- 67.
13.2 The school district
must ensure that during the academic school year a minimum of 140 hours of
instruction is provided for each Carnegie unit of credit offered and 70 hours
for each one-half (1/2) unit offered, except for remedial instructional
programs, dual enrollment/dual credit, correspondence courses, and innovative
programs authorized by the State Board of Education.
13.3 No more than two (2) of the 180 days may
be 60% days. Both teachers and pupils must be in attendance for not less than
60% of the normal school day. Miss. Code Ann. § 37-151-5(j).
13.4 The school district schedules
preparation for graduation ceremonies in such manner that graduating seniors
are absent from classes for no more than three (3) days prior to the end of the
school year. (Districts Meeting the Highest Levels of Performance are
exempted.)
13.5 The summer
school/extended year program [not Extended School Year (ESY) provided through
special education programs] meets all applicable requirements of the general
school program. Miss. Code Ann. § 37-3-49.
13.5.1 Students from other schools enrolled
in summer programs provide written approval from the principal of their home
schools.
13.5.2 Students enrolled
in an extended year program complete all remaining course/subject
requirements/objectives before credit for the course/subject is issued. Miss.
Code Ann. § 37-3-49. 13.5.3 Students enrolled in a summer program are
limited to earning one (1) Carnegie unit of credit during a traditional summer
school session, which does not apply to extended year programs and approved
virtual courses. (Districts Meeting the Highest Levels of Performance may be
exempted under Miss. Code Ann. § 37-17-11.
14. The school district requires each
student, in order to receive a high school diploma, to have met the
requirements established by its local board of education and by the State Board
of Education. Miss. Code Ann. § 37-16-7, Miss. Admin. Code 7-3: 36.2-36.4,
State Board Policy Chapter 36, Rules 36.2 through 36.4.
14.1 Each student receiving a standard high
school diploma has earned the minimum number of Carnegie units as specified in
Appendix A. (See Appendix A) (Miss. Admin. Code 7- 3: 28.2 and 28.3, State
Board Policy Chapter 28, Rules 28.2 and 28.3.) Students receiving a standard
diploma shall select from graduation pathways as specified by the local school
district's graduation requirements, which must include the diploma endorsement
options outlined in Process Standards 14.1.4, 14.1.5, and 14.1.6. Diploma
endorsement options shall be required of all school districts effective with
the incoming ninth graders of 2019-2020. Prior cohorts of students shall be
eligible to earn endorsement(s) if all applicable requirements are met.
14.1.1 Beginning in school year 2018-2019,
all seventh-grade students are required to have an Individual Success Plan
(ISP) prior to exiting the seventh grade.
14.1.2 Innovative Programs
14.1.3 Entering ninth graders in 2018-2019
and thereafter, are required to have a minimum of 24 Carnegie units as
specified in Appendix A-6.
14.1.4
Entering ninth graders in 2018-2019 and thereafter, are required to have a
minimum of 26 Carnegie units and meet additional requirements as specified in
Appendix A-7 to earn a Traditional Diploma with a Career and Technical
Endorsement.
14.1.5 Entering ninth
graders in 2018-2019 and thereafter, are required to have a minimum of 26
Carnegie units and meet additional requirements as specified in Appendix A-8 to
earn a Traditional Diploma with an Academic Endorsement.
14.1.6 Entering ninth graders in 2018-2019
and thereafter, are required to have a minimum of 28 Carnegie units and meet
additional requirements as specified in Appendix A-9 to earn a Traditional
Diploma with a Distinguished Academic Endorsement.
14.1.7 Entering ninth graders with a
significant cognitive disability in 2018-2019 and thereafter, are required to
have a minimum of 24 Credits as described in Appendix A-10 to earn an Alternate
Diploma.
14.2 Each
student receiving a standard diploma has met assessment requirements on each of
the required high school end-of-course subject area tests or assessments or met
one (1) of the option in lieu of passing the test (or assessment) as outlined
in Appendix A-5. Miss. Code Ann. § 37-16-7, Miss. Admin. Code 7-3: 36.3,
and 36.4, State Board Policy Chapter 36, Rules 36.3, and 36.4. See Appendix A-
5.
14.3 Beginning with incoming
ninth graders of 2018-2019, each student who has met the criteria for the
certification of completion, may be issued a certificate of completion.
Students receiving a certificate of completion may participate in high school
graduation exercises. Miss. Code Ann. § 37-16-11(1). See Appendix
A-11.
14.4 Ending with the incoming
ninth grade class of 2016-2017, each student with disabilities receiving a
Mississippi Occupational Diploma has successfully completed all minimum
requirements established by the State Board of Education. Miss. Code Ann.
§ 37-16-11(2). See Appendix G.
14.5 The student who fails to meet the
graduation requirements is not permitted to participate in the graduation
exercises.
Note: Students enrolled in grades 7-12 may be
awarded a Carnegie unit credit provided the course content is a Carnegie unit
bearing course in the current edition of the Approved Courses for the Secondary
Schools of Mississippi Manual.
15. The school district implements a
professional development program aligned with the Learning Forward Standards
for Professional Learning. (Districts Meeting the Highest Levels of Performance
are exempted.) Miss. Code Ann. § 37-17-8, 7 Miss. Admin. Code 7-3: 44.1,
State Board Policy Chapter 44, Rule, Ch. 44, R. 44.1.
16. The school district adheres to all
requirements of the Mississippi Statewide Assessment System. See Appendix F.
Miss. Code Ann. §§ 37-16-1 through 4 and § 37-16-9, and Miss.
Admin. Code 7-3: 78.1 and 78.7, State Board Policy Chapter 78, Rules 78.1 and
78.7.
INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICES
17. The school district is compliance with
state and/or federal requirements for the following programs:
17.1 Early Childhood Programs (kindergarten
and teacher assistant). Miss. Code Ann. § 37-21-1, et seq., Miss. Admin.
Code 7-3: 42.1, State Board Policy Chapter 42, Rule 42.1, and Miss. Admin. Code
7-3: 62.6, State Board Policy Chapter 62, Rule 62.6, Refer to the
Mississippi Kindergarten Guidelines. Districts Meeting the
Highest Levels of Performance are exempted from Miss. Code Ann. §
37-21-7(4).
17.2 Pre-Kindergarten.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-7-301(ss), Miss. Admin. Code 7-3: 28.4, State Board
Policy Chapter 28, Rule 28.4. Refer to the Mississippi Early Learning
Guidelines. Miss. Code Ann. § 37-7-301 (zz).
17.3 Career-Technical Education. Miss. Code
Ann. § 37-31-1, et seq., Miss. Admin. Code 7-3: 83-96, State Board Policy
Chapters 83 through 96, and Federal Code.
17.4 Special Education. Miss. Code Ann.
§37-11-57, § 37-23-1 through § 37-23-9, Miss. Admin. Code 7- 3:
74.1, 74.3 through 74.6, 74.8, 74.10 through 74.14, and 74.19, State Board
Policy Chapter 74, Rules 74.1, 74.3 through 74.6, 74.8, 74.10 through 74.14,
and 74.19, and Federal Code. See State Policies Regarding Children with
Disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004
(IDEA 2004).
17.5 Child Nutrition.
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-11-7, Miss. Admin. Code 7-3: 17.1, 17.2, 17.4, 17.7,
and 17.9, State Board Policy Chapter 17, Rules 17.1, 17.2, 17.4, 17.7, and 17.9
and Federal Code. 17.5.1 School Wellness Policy.
17.6 Elementary and Secondary Education Act:
Titles I, II, III, IV, V, VI, X, and any other federally funded programs and
grants. Miss. Admin. Code 7-3: 80.1-80.3, State Board Policy Chapter 80, Rules
80.1 through 80.3, and Federal Code.
17.7 Driver Education. Miss. Code Ann. §
37-25-1, et seq., Miss. Admin. Code 7-3: 29.1, State Board Policy Chapter 29,
Rule 29.1.
17.8 Gifted Education.
Miss. Code Ann. §§ 37-23-171 through 181, Miss. Admin. Code 7-3:
35.1, State Board Policy Chapter 35, Rule 35.1. Refer to the current edition of
the Regulations for Gifted Education Programs in Mississippi
and the Gifted Education Program Standards.
17.9 Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
Training. Miss. Code Ann. §§ 37-3-83(9), 37-3-101, and
37-3-103.
18. Each
school has a library media center. Refer to the current edition of the
Mississippi School Library Media Guide. Miss. Code Ann. §§
37-17-6(3)(a-e).
18.1 Each school has a
library media center with an organized collection of materials and equipment
that represents a broad range of current learning media, including
instructional technology (Accreditation Policy 4.2.1 - Exemptions for Schools
Meeting the Highest Levels of Performance).
18.2 The library staff offers a systematic
program of service to students and staff by providing access to the materials
and equipment, by providing instruction in the use of the materials and
equipment, and by working with teachers and other staff members to provide
learning activities for the students (Accreditation Policy 4.2.1 - Exemptions
for Schools Meeting the Highest Levels of Performance).
19. The school district is compliance with
state law and State Board of Education policies for state adopted textbooks.
Miss. Code Ann. §§ 37-43-1, 37-43-24, 37-43-31(2), 37-43-51,
37-9-14(2)(b), and 37-7-301(ff) (7 Miss. Admin. Code 7-3: 79.1 and 79.2, State
Board Policy Chapter 79, Rules 79.1 and 79.2, Refer to the current edition of
the Textbook Administration Handbook Rules and Regulations.
19.1 Each school district provides students
in each school with access to current or otherwise appropriate textbooks that
are in good condition. See glossary for definition of textbook. Miss. Code Ann.
§ 37-43- 1, § 37-9-14(2)(b), and § 37-7-301(ff).
19.2 Each school district shall keep an
active and surplus inventory for each school in the district to be completed by
June 15 of each year. The district shall report the inventory in the Textbook
Inventory Management System. Miss. Code Ann. § 37-43-51. Refer to the
current edition of the Textbook Administration Handbook Rules and
Regulations.
20. The school district meets the following
instructional management requirements Miss. Code Ann. §§
37-3-49(2)(a-c) and 37-3-49(5), Miss. Admin. Code 7-3: 41.1, State Board Policy
Chapter 41, Rule 41.1.
20.1 The school
district implements an instructional management system that has been adopted by
the school board and includes, at a minimum, the competencies and objectives
required in the curriculum frameworks approved by the State Board of Education
that are available to all teachers in each school. (Districts Meeting the
Highest Levels of Performance are exempted.)
20.2 The instructional management system
includes a tiered instructional model in accordance with Miss. Admin. Code 7-3:
41.1, State Board Policy Chapter 41, Rule 41.1, including academic
interventions, behavioral interventions, and Literacy-Based Promotion
Act requirements.
21. The district follows an established board
policy that defines criteria for the academic promotion/progression/retention
of students. Such criteria prohibit the retention of students for
extracurricular purposes.
21.1 The school
district implements a uniform grading policy. Miss. Admin. Code 7-3: Ch. 2, R.
2.3, State Board Policy Chapter 2, Rule 2.3, Miss. Code Ann. § 37-11-64
and 37-11-66.
21.2 A student who is
enrolled in any grade higher than Grade 6 in a school district must be
suspended from participation in any extracurricular or athletic activity
sponsored or sanctioned by the school district after a semester in which the
student's cumulative grade point average is below 2.0 on a 4.0 scale in
accordance with the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA).
This portion of the standard will be jointly monitored and enforced by the
State Board of Education and the MHSAA. Miss. Code Ann. §
37-11-65.
22. The school
district provides access to an alternative education program that meets the
program guidelines outlined in Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-92 and the
guidelines established by the State Board of Education. Miss. Admin. Code
7-3:7.1, State Board Policy, Chapter 7, Rule 7.1. See guidelines for
Alternative/GED School Programs.
23. The school district, in its discretion,
may provide access to a GED Option program that meets the program guidelines
outlined in Miss. Code Ann. § 37-13-92(4) and Miss. Admin Code 7-3: 7.2,
State Board Policy Chapter 7, Rule 7. See guidelines for Alternative/GED
Programs.
24. Each full-time
classroom teacher has an unencumbered period during the teaching day/week to be
used for individual or departmental planning.
24.1 If the school utilizes a traditional
six-period or seven-period day schedule, the instructional planning time
provided for secondary teachers is a minimum of 225 minutes per week, exclusive
of lunch period. If the school utilizes any form of a modular/block schedule,
the instructional planning time provided is a minimum of either 225 minutes per
week or an average of 225 minutes per week per instructional cycle, exclusive
of lunch period.
24.2 Instructional
planning time for the elementary school teacher is no less than 150 minutes per
week, exclusive of lunch period.
25. Individual teachers (grades 9-12) are
limited to three (3) course preparations per scheduling cycle or five (5) in
the same subject/content area. Any request for an exception must be submitted
in writing to the Commission on School Accreditation for review and
action.
26. The curriculum of each
high school at a minimum consists of required and approved courses that
generate at least 331/2 Carnegie units annually. Any request for an exemption
from teaching the courses listed in Appendix B must be submitted in writing to
the Commission on School Accreditation for review and action. (See Appendix B),
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-1-3(2), and Miss. Admin. Code 7-3: 28.2 and 28.3,
State Board Policy Chapter 28, Rules 28.2 and 28.3.
27. The curriculum of each elementary or
middle school (any configuration of grades K-8) at a minimum consists of
reading/language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, the arts, health
education, elementary computer science and physical education (which may be
taught by the classroom teacher.) Miss. Code Ann.§§ 37-1-3(2),
37-13-134, and 37-13-201.
27.1 In any
configuration of grades K -8, the curriculum must include 150 minutes of
activity-based instruction per week and 45 minutes of instruction in health
education per week.
27.2
Implementation of the activity-based instruction must meet or exceed the
standards as approved by the State Board of Education.
27.3 A general education classroom teacher
may provide instruction in the arts, health education, and physical education
in a self-contained classroom setting.
27.4 In any elementary configuration of
grades K-6, the curriculum must include 60 minutes of computer science
instruction per week. Miss. Code Ann. §37-13-201.
28. Student teacher ratios do not exceed the
following:
28.1 Student teacher ratios do not
exceed 22 to 1 in kindergarten, except in instances in which a full-time
assistant teacher is in the classroom. If a full-time assistant teacher is
employed, 27 may be enrolled. Miss. Code Ann. § 37-151-77, See Mississippi
Kindergarten Guidelines, Miss. Admin. Code 7-3: 19.1, State Board Policy
Chapter 19, Rule 19.1.
28.2 Student
teacher ratios do not exceed 27 to 1 in classrooms serving grades 1 through 4
unless approved by the State Board of Education. Schools Meeting the Highest
Levels of Performance are exempted. Miss. Code Ann. § 37-151-77. Miss.
Admin. Code 7-3: 19.1, State Board Policy Chapter 19, Rule 19.1.
28.3 Student teacher ratios do not exceed 30
to 1 in self-contained classes serving grades 5-8. Miss. Code Ann. §
37-151-77. A one-year waiver may be requested for classes that do not exceed
more than two (2) students beyond the allowable student teacher
ratio.
28.4 Student teacher ratios
do not exceed 33 to 1 in departmentalized academic core classes serving grades
5-12. Miss. Code Ann. § 37-151-77. A one-year waiver may be requested for
classes that do not exceed more than two (2) students beyond the allowable
student teacher ratio.
28.5 The
total number of students taught by an individual teacher in academic core
subjects at any time during the school year shall not exceed 150. A teacher who
provides instruction through intra-district or inter-district distance learning
or supervises students taking virtual courses will be exempt from the
150-student limitation. A lab facilitator or principal designee will be
responsible for the assignment of grades and related activities at the
receiving school. Schools Meeting the Highest Levels of Performance are
exempted.
SAFE AND HEALTHY SCHOOLS
29. The school district complies with the
applicable policies of the State Board of Education and state and federal laws
in the operation of its transportation program. The school district implements
Nathan's Law as a priority for promoting school bus safety. Miss. Code Ann.
§§ 37-41-53, 63-3-615, 63-1-73, 97-3-7, and 63-1-33, Miss. Admin.
Code 7-3: 81.3, 81.4, 81.6, 81.7, 81.9, State Board Policy Chapter 81, Rules
81.3, 81.4, 81.6, 81.7, and 81.9.
29.1 All
buses are inspected on a quarterly basis and are well-maintained and clean.
Miss. Admin. Code 7-3: 81.9, State Board Policy Chapter 81, Rule
81.9.
29.2 Each bus driver has a
valid bus driver certificate and a commercial driver's license and operates the
bus according to all specified safety procedures. The school district has on
file a yearly motor vehicle report on each driver and evidence that each driver
has received two (2) hours of in-service training per semester. Miss. Code Ann.
§ 63-3-615, Miss. Admin. Code 7-3: 81.3 and 81.6, State Board Policy
Chapter 81, Rules 81.3 and 81.6.
29.3 Bus schedules ensure arrival of all
buses at their designated school sites prior to the start of the instructional
day.
29.4 Emergency bus evacuation
drills are conducted at least two (2) times each year. Miss. Admin. Code 7-3:
81.4, State Board Policy Chapter 81, Rule 81.4.
30. The school district provides clean and
sanitary facilities in a safe and secure environment. All classrooms in each
school will be air conditioned. Miss. Code Ann. §§ 37-7-301(c) (d)
and (j), 37-11-5, 37-11-49; and 45-11-101.
31. The school district complies with State
Board Policies and State and Federal laws to provide Safe Schools. Each school
has a comprehensive School Safety Plan on file that has been approved annually
by the local school board. Miss. Code Ann. §§ 37-3-81, 37-3-82,
37-3-83, 37-7-321, 37-11-5, 37-11-29, 37-11-53, 37-11- 67, and 37-11-69, and
the Mississippi School Safety Manual.
32. The school district complies with state
statute and State Board of Education policy for education of juveniles in youth
detention centers.
32.1 Educational
requirements Miss. Code Ann. § 42-21-321, Miss. Admin. Code 7-3: 30.6,
State Board Policy Chapter 30, Rule 30.6.
32.2 Financial reimbursement requirement.
Miss. Admin. Code 7-3: 30.6, State Board Policy Chapter 30, Rules 30.6. See the
current edition of the Guidebook for Educating Juveniles in Detention
Centers.
