K-12 Board on New Accountability System

Mississippi Department of Education in Jackson

Mississippi's new k-12 school accountability ratings won't be released to the public until midnight Sunday. But as MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports, State School Board members are already weighing in on the results.

Under the old accountability ratings system, schools in Mississippi were only compared to other schools across the state. Under the new plan they will be compared to schools all over the country.
At the state school board meeting in Jackson yesterday, Acting superintendent Dr. John Jordan says the new system won't offer many surprises but it may offer some disappointment.

“So there will be a shakeup initially. There will be schools who thought and communities who felt like they had a highly rated school who will now realize they still have a very good school. But as far as on a national basis they may not be as good as they will be once schools start working hard to push towards that new ideal.”

Instead of the old level 1 through 5 system schools will now be labeled as low performing, academic watch, high performance or star schools. With that comes more rigorous testing in algebra, English and U.S. History. Board member, Rosetta Richard of Biloxi says the changes will benefit Mississippi students.

“It’s a global economy so we have to bring ourselves at least to the average standard in the country instead of just what’s average in the state of Mississippi.”

According to Board Chairman, William Jones of Petal, the state is making great educational progress . But he says additional legislative budget cuts could kill the momentum.

“I would only challenge anybody that knows anything about education and economic development and this would include the Governor, to show Mississippi a way forward without improving education. It’s just not gonna happen and I think that the Governor has too much glee in his voice when he announces his cuts.”

Board members say the new accountability rating system will be phased in over the next four years. For MPB News, I'm Lawayne Childrey.