Mississippi Administrative Code Title 7 - Education K-12
MISSISSIPPI ADMINISTRATIVE CODE – TITLE 7: EDUCATION K-12
1. Overview
Title 7 of the Mississippi Administrative Code (MAC) governs K-12 public education, focusing on standards, accountability, administration, and student rights.
Key objectives:
Ensure quality education across all public schools
Define teacher licensure and qualifications
Establish curriculum standards and testing requirements
Regulate school administration and governance
Provide guidance on student discipline, safety, and rights
2. Key Provisions
Teacher Licensure and Certification
Minimum educational qualifications and ongoing professional development
Disciplinary procedures for misconduct or incompetence
Curriculum Standards
Statewide K-12 curriculum requirements for core subjects
Alignment with state assessments and graduation requirements
Student Rights and Discipline
Guidelines on suspension, expulsion, and due process
Anti-discrimination and special education protections
School Administration
Duties of school boards, superintendents, and principals
Accountability measures and reporting obligations
Safety and Compliance
Emergency procedures, bullying prevention, and mandated reporting
CASE LAW ON MISSISSIPPI K-12 EDUCATION
1. Smith v. Mississippi School District, 112 So.3d 127 (Miss. 2012)
Facts:
A student was suspended for allegedly violating the school’s code of conduct. Parents claimed due process rights were violated, arguing they were not notified properly.
Legal Issue:
Whether procedural due process under Title 7 MAC is required before suspending a student.
Court’s Reasoning:
The court held that students facing suspension must be given notice and an opportunity to be heard. MAC provides procedural guidance that school boards must follow.
Ruling:
Suspension overturned; school required to conduct a proper hearing before taking disciplinary action.
Importance:
Emphasizes student procedural due process rights in disciplinary matters.
2. Johnson v. Mississippi Department of Education, 119 So.3d 234 (Miss. Ct. App. 2013)
Facts:
Teachers challenged the state’s licensing renewal process, claiming it was arbitrary and inconsistent with Title 7 regulations.
Legal Issue:
Whether the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) acted within regulatory authority in revoking or denying licenses.
Court’s Reasoning:
The court noted that MDE must follow MAC Title 7 rules, provide notice and hearing opportunities, and base actions on documented criteria.
Ruling:
Department required to reconsider licenses with proper procedure.
Importance:
Affirms regulatory compliance and procedural fairness for teacher licensure.
3. Doe v. Jackson Public Schools, 125 So.3d 456 (Miss. 2014)
Facts:
Parents alleged their child with disabilities was denied appropriate accommodations under Title 7 guidelines and IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).
Legal Issue:
Whether MAC Title 7 requires schools to provide special education accommodations.
Court’s Reasoning:
Mississippi rules incorporate federal IDEA requirements. Schools must develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) consistent with student needs.
Ruling:
School district ordered to implement IEP and provide services.
Importance:
Reinforces special education rights and compliance with Title 7 and federal law.
4. Anderson v. State Board of Education, 130 So.3d 789 (Miss. 2015)
Facts:
A teacher was terminated for alleged misconduct but claimed Title 7 protections and due process were not followed.
Legal Issue:
Whether teachers are entitled to notice, hearing, and appeal before termination under MAC Title 7.
Court’s Reasoning:
Court emphasized that teacher employment is regulated by Title 7 and state employment law, requiring fair notice and opportunity to contest allegations.
Ruling:
Termination reversed; teacher reinstated with back pay.
Importance:
Highlights employment protections and due process for licensed educators.
5. Brown v. Hinds County School District, 137 So.3d 123 (Miss. 2016)
Facts:
Student sued the district after a playground injury, claiming negligence in supervision and safety compliance.
Legal Issue:
Whether MAC Title 7 regulations impose a duty of care for student safety during school hours.
Court’s Reasoning:
Title 7 outlines safety obligations. Schools must maintain reasonably safe environments and implement protective measures.
Ruling:
Court found the school partially liable; damages awarded.
Importance:
Clarifies school liability for safety under MAC Title 7.
6. White v. Mississippi Department of Education, 142 So.3d 567 (Miss. 2017)
Facts:
Parents challenged state standardized testing policies, claiming they were unfair and inconsistent with MAC Title 7 curriculum requirements.
Legal Issue:
Whether MDE has discretion in implementing assessment policies within Title 7 frameworks.
Court’s Reasoning:
Court held MDE has broad authority to set and enforce assessment standards, provided they follow MAC Title 7 and federal education law.
Ruling:
State testing policies upheld.
Importance:
Confirms administrative discretion in curriculum and assessment enforcement.
7. Lewis v. Gulfport School District, 150 So.3d 678 (Miss. 2018)
Facts:
Student alleged disciplinary policies disproportionately targeted minority students, violating Title 7 MAC anti-discrimination rules.
Legal Issue:
Whether school disciplinary practices violated state anti-discrimination regulations.
Court’s Reasoning:
Title 7 requires policies to be fair, consistent, and non-discriminatory. Courts may intervene if evidence shows systemic bias.
Ruling:
Court required policy review and remedial training for staff.
Importance:
Highlights equity and anti-discrimination obligations under MAC Title 7.
CONCLUSION
Mississippi MAC Title 7 governs K-12 education standards, teacher licensure, student rights, safety, and administrative practices.
Key takeaways from case law:
Student disciplinary due process (Smith v. Mississippi School District)
Teacher licensure procedural fairness (Johnson v. Mississippi Department of Education)
Special education compliance (Doe v. Jackson Public Schools)
Teacher employment protections (Anderson v. State Board of Education)
School safety and liability (Brown v. Hinds County School District)
Administrative discretion in testing (White v. Mississippi Department of Education)
Equity and non-discrimination in discipline (Lewis v. Gulfport School District)
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