Recent academic assessment scores released by the Mississippi Department of Education show the state is recovering from the education losses of the pandemic. Education group leaders are sharing what this means for schools in the state and across the south.
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Proficiency levels from the Mississippi Academic Assessment Program for the 2021-2022 school year are nearing or surpassing scores achieved before the pandemic. Scores could not be gathered following the initial outbreak of the coronavirus, and the following year’s results dropped by several points in nearly all categories. Erica Jones, President of the Mississippi Association of Educators, says that was a difficult time for teachers and students who often had to work and learn from home.
Jones says “There is no one computer program that replaces an effective teacher. That is why it was so important when we advocated around out scholars returning to in-person learning because it’s just that interaction that’s needed. And I believe that is one of the reasons why we are seeing an increase in our test scores.”
Subject
2019
2020
2021
2022
Change Since 2019 (Pre-Pandemic)
Mathematics Proficient or Advanced
47.4%
COVID-19
No Data
35.1%
47.3%
-0.1%
English Language Arts Proficient or Advanced
41.6%
34.9%
42.2%
+0.6%
Science Proficient or Advanced
55.3%
50.0%
55.9%
+0.6%
The MAAP tests students in the state from grades 3-8 and includes four high school subject area tests. Not all scores have rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, but there has been significant growth in most categories.
Because of the educational growth Mississippi has obtained in recent years, surrounding states are taking notice according to Jeff Gagne (Gone-yea, like Kanye), policy analyst with the Southern Regional Education Board. He says it’s hard for other states to draw direct comparisons with Mississippi’s tests, but it can be an indicator for what programs are working and can be emulated.
“Those kids over the last five, six, ten years have been getting a better foundation in reading and math. And it’s now paying off,” says Gagne. “And a lot of them being much better prepared for some post-secondary path weather it’s a certificate, some kind of two year degree or four year degree, and have a much better chance at a better paying job and a better life.”
Gagne says soon-to-be-released scores from the Nation’s Report Card will help draw more direct education growth comparisons across state lines.
