Education

We Need to Learn From Charter Schools Before Expanding Them

It is too early to deem charter schools a success or failure in Mississippi. We are witnessing the beginning of a limited experiment in privatized "public" education starting this year in Jackson.

School Official Wants Probe of Anti-42 Emails

Although legislative opponents to school-funding ballot Initiative 42 have been threatening deep cuts to state agencies—and therefore state jobs—for months, a new front has opened up in the battle for the hearts and minds of state workers.

Initiative 42: Ballot of Confusion

A group advocating for an education-funding initiative is calling foul on the wording for the referendum on the secretary of state's sample ballot.

Analysis: Wright Wants Higher Bar Third-Grade Reading Test

State Superintendent of Education Carey Wright wants to move the goalposts on third-grade literacy, requiring students to score significantly higher to advance to fourth grade.

Few Additional Students Pass Third-Grade Test on Third Try

About 1 in 7 students who didn't pass Mississippi's third-grade reading test on the first two tries managed to clear the bar the third time over the summer.

‘I Can’t Breathe’: Restraint, Seclusion Under Review

In June, the Mississippi Department of Education drafted a restraint and seclusion policy that is already under tough scrutiny by parent, education and advocacy groups around the state.

Jackson Charter Schools Get $1 Million Boost from GOP Donor, Philanthropist

Two new charter schools in Jackson are getting a big boost from a former chief executive officer, philanthropist who donates money to conservative Republicans.

The Katrina Education Lie

Among the many reflections on the effects of Hurricane Katrina on the Gulf Coast, the discussion of its effects on schools in New Orleans may be the most disingenuous.

Reeves, Gunn Refuse to Reveal Emails About Initiatives 42 and 42-A

Officials with the public-school advocacy group Better Schools, Better Jobs are exploring their options after top lawmakers denied the group's public-records request for emails.

Senate Panel Denies School Funding Group's Records Request

Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves' email and other correspondence are not public records that are subject to disclosure, the Mississippi Senate Rules Committee said Monday.

Yarber, Council Gripped in Budget Battle of Wills

Jerry Taylor, like many of the people at Wingfield High School, was hopping mad about the City of Jackson's finances and a tax increase proposed to fill a budget deficit.

How School Districts Try to Make the Grade

The new system for grading Mississippi public schools is under fire in a recent PEER study that has called for changes.

JSU Scrambles for Housing with High Enrollment Numbers

Jackson State University's growth is taking place so rapidly that the school was caught off guard this year by the number of students wanting to study there.

A Three-Point Plan for Public Safety Built on Youth Success

Driven by research and common sense, law enforcement leaders are advocating for quality early education and reduced school suspensions and expulsions.

PEER Questions Grading System for Public Schools

A legislative oversight group is questioning the way Mississippi grades its public schools even as the state moves forward with plans to take control of schools considered failing.

Blogs