Mississippi Dyslexia Education Loan Repayment Program; establish in place of forgivable loan program and prescribe requirements of eligibility.
By shifting from a forgivable loan model to a repayment program, HB1247 aims to retain licensed dyslexia therapists in Mississippi schools. The bill supports not only the therapists but also is designed to improve educational services for students diagnosed with dyslexia. Proponents believe this structure will encourage more graduates to work in state-approved educational institutions by alleviating some of their educational loan burdens over a span of their employment.
House Bill 1247 amends Section 37-106-71 of the Mississippi Code to transition the existing 'Mississippi Dyslexia Education Forgivable Loan Program' into a loan repayment program. This new program will be administered by the Mississippi Postsecondary Education Financial Assistance Board. The bill specifically targets students who have earned a master's degree in dyslexia therapy from accredited institutions within the state, providing financial support to encourage their employment in publicly funded education systems. Eligibility criteria include residency requirements and full-time employment as licensed dyslexia therapists in various educational settings.
One notable area of contention revolves around the specific eligibility requirements tied to the program. Critics argue that limiting the program to only those who have graduated within state-approved institutions may inadvertently exclude capable professionals who studied elsewhere. Additionally, the cap on financial awards ($6,000 per year for three years) has raised concerns over whether this amount is sufficient to cover living and educational costs while pursuing required employment. Some stakeholders advocate for a broader approach that could accommodate a wider range of qualified educators.
The legislation proposes that financial awards would be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, based on available funding. The program will be expected to monitor award recipients over three employment years, gathering data to evaluate its efficacy in addressing the dyslexia educational needs across Mississippi. This comprehensive approach aims to help fulfill the demand for licensed dyslexia professionals, particularly in underserved areas.