Mississippi

A comprehensive overview of Mississippi’s enacted legislation, regulations, certification requirements, and state-provided resources related to dyslexia education.

Brief Summary

Mississippi mandates universal dyslexia screening for all students in the spring of Kindergarten and the Fall of Grade 1, evidence-based literacy instruction, and structured intervention plans for students not meeting proficiency on screening benchmarks. Teachers are required to complete training in dyslexia awareness, assessment strategies, and structured literacy approaches. Dyslexia therapists must meet specific certification requirements to provide specialized support for students with reading difficulties.

Mississippi Legislations and Regulations

HB1031 (2012) - Mississippi Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship for Students with Dyslexia Program

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Summary

This bill establishes a scholarship program for students with dyslexia to attend approved nonpublic schools that provide dyslexia therapy.

How This Affects Families and Educators

It provides caregivers with notification of the results of the early screeners and of potential reading difficulties. It also provides educational options for students with dyslexia and sets standards for dyslexia therapy in participating schools.

HB950 (2012) - Dyslexia Screening

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Summary

Requires screening of all students for dyslexia between spring of kindergarten and fall of Grade 1.

How This Affects Families and Educators

Ensures early identification of students at risk for dyslexia, allowing for timely interventions.

HB1046 (2017) - Extension of the Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship

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Summary

Expand the dyslexia scholarship program to allow students in grades 1-12 to attend a private school, or a neighboring public school district, in order to receive instruction by a trained dyslexia therapy specialist. It also requires districts to use a state-approved screener in order to determine students that are eligible for a dyslexia therapy scholarship.

How This Affects Families and Educators

Provides greater educational options for older students in middle and high school for students with dyslexia.

Mississippi Code § 37-173-16

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Summary

Mandates that districts must provide at least four hours of in-service training every three years for all licensed educators and paraprofessionals regarding dyslexia and related disorders awareness education, ensuring teachers are equipped to identify and appropriately support students with dyslexia.

How This Affects Families and Educators

Ensures that educators working with students are knowledgeable about signs of dyslexia, as well how to identify and instruct students with dyslexia.

Mississippi Code § 37-106-71

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Summary

This program is designed to identify and recruit qualified students within the state to pursue master’s degrees in dyslexia therapy at approved institutions using an Orton-Gillingham approach. Upon completion of their degrees and licensure requirements, recipients are obligated to serve as licensed dyslexia therapists in Mississippi public school districts or eligible nonpublic schools in order to receive loan forgiveness.

How This Affects Families and Educators

Ensures that more educators in the state are specifically trained in Orton-Gillingham-based methodologies, and can provide ‘dyslexia therapy’ support to students in need of reading interventions.

Mississippi Code §37-23-15 (2019)

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Summary

Creates a grant program in which school districts can implement pilot programs for dyslexia with students not identified as needing special education using multisensory methodologies. Funds for this grant are based on appropriations by the state.

How This Affects Families and Educators

Ensures that there are more opportunities for students not qualifying for special education services to be instructed in evidence-based methodologies and supports more students in achieving college- and career-readiness standards.

Teacher Certification and Professional Development Requirements

  • The Department of Education requires school districts to conduct four hours of awareness training on dyslexia and related disorders for all licensed educators and paraprofessionals responsible for instruction.
  • Teacher preparation programs must include dyslexia training based on the International Dyslexia Association’s Knowledge and Practice Standards.
  • The state approves the requirements for programs offering the ‘dyslexia therapist’ AA license grounded in Orton-Gillingham-based methodologies.

More Info

Mississippi Code § 37-173-16