MississippiSB 22942026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Education; institute initiatives to promote literacy in math, reading, finance, computer science, and civics.

Sponsored By: Chris Johnson (Republican)

Signed by Governor

EducationAccountability, Efficiency, Transparency

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

9 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 4 costs, 2 mixed.

Evidence-based reading in schools

Mississippi aligns reading standards for Grades K–8 with evidence-based methods. The state provides approved reading materials and assessment systems for Grades 4–8. Tests check reading at the start, middle, and end of the year, and include progress checks and tools to identify basic reading difficulties. The state also provides training and coaching for school staff. The Legislature must provide enough funding for the law’s literacy initiatives, but the law sets no dollar amount or funding schedule.

More math help for students

The state creates a math support program for public schools. Math coaches, with priority for Grades 2 through 6, support teaching from kindergarten through Grade 12. Beginning in 2026–2027, participating districts screen students in Grades K–5 at least three times a year. Students below benchmark get a math plan, and Grade 5 students below the algebra-readiness score get extra help before middle school. That score cannot decide whether a student moves up or repeats a grade. The state may publish district results, but cannot publicly release student-level data.

Reading help for struggling students

Students in Grades 4–8 with reading difficulties get extra help matched to their needs. Schools must provide an individual reading plan within 30 days of identifying a deficiency. Parents must receive written notice within 10 calendar days, in their home language. Plans include goals, services, progress checks, and ways to help at home. Districts review returning students’ plans during the first 20 days of school. Beginning in 2027–2028, students with a remaining Grade 8 deficiency who score at the lowest reading level on a state or approved test must enter remediation.

Financial literacy becomes a school requirement

Beginning in 2027–2028, accredited schools, including public charter schools, must teach financial literacy in Grades 6–8. A district may also offer a financial literacy program to any student in Grade 10 or 11. Students in the graduating class of 2032 or later must pass a qualifying course to earn a diploma. The course must be taken in Grades 9–12 and be either a half-unit personal finance course or a full-unit course with at least half its standards on financial literacy.

Balanced literacy barred in schools

Public schools, state agencies, and people receiving state funds cannot use balanced literacy, including the three-cueing method, to teach reading.

Reading training for future teachers

Candidates in specified Mississippi teacher-preparation programs must complete approved reading instruction training. The requirement applies to elementary, special education, and secondary candidates, as well as Grades 4–8 social studies, science, and English language arts candidates. Some candidates must complete the training before certification. The law does not set a training cost.

Summer school cannot change failed grades

A student who failed a grade before summer school cannot be promoted based on summer remediation. Districts may still offer summer help based on screening, assessments, progress data, or the state English language arts test.

Low-graduation schools must file plans

Beginning July 1, 2027, Mississippi districts must track and report high school graduation rates. A high school with a graduation rate below 80% must send the state a detailed plan to improve its rate.

Charter schools follow public school rules

Charter schools and their boards must follow listed state rules when conducting school business. These include public meeting and records laws, certain student safety and attendance rules, and the financial literacy graduation requirement.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Chris Johnson
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Sarita Simmons
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 347 • No: 0

House vote • 4/1/2026

Conference Report Adopted

Yes: 121 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/1/2026

Conference Report Adopted

Yes: 52 • No: 0

House vote • 2/19/2026

Passed As Amended

Yes: 122 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/5/2026

Passed