Mississippi
News, analysis, and opinion about K-12 education in Mississippi
States
Mississippi Criticized for Harsh Discipline Policies
In a new report, civil rights groups say Mississippi is in the throes of a school-to-prison pipeline crisis.
School Climate & Safety
Student Out for Months Over Cellphone Allegation
A disciplinary spiral results in months of lost schooling for a student accused of using a cellphone in class.
Education
Miss. Charter Bill Strikes Online Schools From Consideration
The Mississippi Senate passed a hotly debated charter school bill this week that leaves out the option for virtual charter schools.
School & District Management
Region's Schools Turn Storm's Havoc Into Transformation
The national economic crisis and the massive BP oil leak have stalled the recovery in some districts, but renewal continues in others.
Education
Mississippi Schools Chief Tells Districts to Prepare for Oil Impact
Alabama's Joe Morton isn't the only state chief looking ahead to the impact the BP oil spill may have on schools.
School Choice & Charters
Federal Money a Factor in Miss. Charter School Debate
Mississippi legislators are considering a charter school proposal that proponents say could better position the state for the federal Race to the Top competition and provide an option for parents with children in struggling schools.
School & District Management
Proposed K-12, College Cuts Draw Fire in Mississippi
Gov. Barbour faces major opposition to his plan, which also would consolidate school districts and merge historically black colleges.
Education
Some Miss. Schools Balk at Giving Swine-Flu Shots
Swine flu shots remain in demand across the state with some clinics temporarily running out of the vaccine. Some schools, however, are balking at giving swine flu shots altogether.
Early Childhood
Mississippi Effort Targets Youngest
Business leaders have launched a three-year effort that includes training and aims to improve educational quality.
Assessment
Mississippi Students Face Higher Hurdle
In a move many see as overdue, the state is setting a tougher standard for students to qualify as “proficient” — and many more are likely to fall short.
Teaching Profession
Teacher-Retention Funding Approved in Mississippi
The legislature in its recently concluded session financed efforts to retain new and veteran teachers, including a $3.4 million program to give experienced educators an extra $1,000 a year, in exchange for serving as mentors to new teachers.
School & District Management
Mississippi Law Places Tight Rein on Superintendents
Under legislation signed May 12 by Gov. Haley Barbour, local superintendents would lose their jobs if their districts were labeled "underperforming" as measured by the state accountability system for two years in a row.
Education
State of the States
Mississippi
Education remains Mississippi’s top priority, but programs won’t see increases this year as steep as in years past, Gov. Barbour told lawmakers.
Federal
Louisiana Gov.-Elect Faces Education Issues
Kentucky and Mississippi also will select their governors in the 2007 electoral season.