State Spotlight: Mississippi Identifies the State’s First Emerging Science of Reading Elementary Schools

Mississippi
Quality

A marathon race stretches over 26 miles. It requires extensive preparation and months of physical and mental conditioning. For runners, it is an exhilarating experience and a significant accomplishment. In 2013, Mississippi started their marathon with the goal of improving literacy outcomes for all children. Like a marathon runner, their training spanned the course of several years and included intensive teacher training, coaching supports and redefining instructional practices. Their marathon yielded noticeable gains and student outcomes.

In 2019, the Magnolia State became a national leader in literacy because of the significant gains made by students in fourth grade reading. The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) showed Mississippi fourth graders led the nation in reading and math gains . This is a giant leap from 2013 when fourth grade students trailed more than one full grade level behind the nation’s average.

Educators in Training

Mississippi’s Literacy-Based Promotion Act, passed in 2013, focuses on improving the reading skills of public-school students in kindergarten through third grade, so every student completing the third grade is able to read on or above grade level. During the 2014-2015 school year, the state ensured all K-3 teachers were trained in the science of reading by using the early literacy training, Language Essentials for Teaching Reading and Spelling (LETRS). The training consists of online and face-to-face sessions covering eight units. Each unit addresses the essential components of reading instruction and the foundational concept that connects each component.

In the spring of 2017, the Regional Education Laboratory (REL) Southeast released a study examining the impact and outcomes associated with the implementation of Mississippi’s statewide LETRS professional development. During the time of the study, the Mississippi Department of Education had already begun providing early literacy professional development to K-3 general education teachers and K-8 special education teachers. 

The study concluded that the average teacher’s knowledge of early literacy increased from the 48th percentile to the 59th percentile after being trained in the science of reading. In the state’s identified literacy support schools, during observations conducted by state literacy coaches, instructional quality increased from the 31st percentile to the 58th percentile; student engagement increased from the 37th percentile to the 53rd percentile, and; teaching competencies increased from the 30th percentile to the 44th percentile. Although the study was not intended to measure the effectiveness of the literacy professional development training offered by the state, the changes seemed to be associated with teachers’ participation in the training.

In addition to offering statewide literacy professional development for teachers, state literacy coaches provided opportunities for teachers and leaders to attend regional literacy trainings throughout the year. During these trainings, focus on the application and implementation of the science of reading through practical strategies were demonstrated at varying grade levels. 

Celebrating the Everyday Heroes  

Mississippi teachers share a deep commitment to supporting students’ literacy gains.

Like communities across the country celebrate unsung heroes that continue to persevere despite a global pandemic, Mississippi applauds the commitment of its everyday heroes – teachers. At the beginning of this school year, the state’s literacy leadership team began awarding and recognizing schools as the state’s first group of Emerging Science of Reading Schools. Through an application process created in partnership with Voyager Sopris Learning, schools across the state were invited to apply for the designation. The first seven selected schools have at least 80% of teachers LETRS trained. More importantly, the schools’ culture has been positively impacted by a change of instructional practices that led to students’ literacy achievement. To continue the literacy momentum, schools in Mississippi will have an annual opportunity to apply for this honorable designation.

Looking Forward

Mississippi continues their literacy marathon to refine and strengthen policies and practices that improve and impact student outcomes. The Magnolia State understands and values the power that teachers and families bring to the work of developing strong readers and remains committed to investing in their efforts. Building the capacity of educators and supporting families remain foundational to our work. Education is life determining. All children need and deserve strong reading skills, so they can succeed in school and access all the opportunities that a quality education provides. We are excited about the next chapter in Mississippi’s literacy story and the work to build future generations of strong readers.

Solution Areas:

Early Literacy

About the Authors

Kymyona Burk, Ed.D., is a Senior Policy Fellow at ExcelinEd.

Solution Areas:

Early Literacy

Kristen Wynn is the State Literacy Director for the Mississippi Department of Education.