Statewide testing program; require tests to be translated and printed in primary spoken language of ELL students.

HB 416 requires Mississippi's statewide standardized tests for English Language Learner (ELL) students to be administered in their primary spoken language, except for English language arts tests, which must remain in English. The State Department of Education must translate and print these tests in the appropriate language for each grade level and provide translation assistance through proctors or observers when requested. School districts must report the number, grades, and primary spoken languages of ELL students to the Department and request translation support before testing. This bill directly affects all public and charter schools in Mississippi that administer statewide assessments.