How Mississippi Reversed Its Educational Fortunes
Once ranked last in the nation, Mississippi's schools have achieved a remarkable turnaround by focusing on early literacy and teacher support.

Evelyn Reed is a public policy correspondent focused on K-12 education. She covers state board of education decisions, school district performance, and policies affecting students and educators at the local level.
20 published articles
Once ranked last in the nation, Mississippi's schools have achieved a remarkable turnaround by focusing on early literacy and teacher support.
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Illinois schools are set for a major transformation in 2026 with new laws affecting junior high credits, AI in classrooms, and school safety training.
New Jersey's Legislature has passed a bill to restrict student cellphone use in public schools, sending the measure to Governor Phil Murphy for his expected signature.
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The Dubuque Community School District is reevaluating its future after a $70 million bond measure failed to get the required 60% voter approval for a second time.
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Parents in St. George, Maine, are asking local officials to bar an 8-year-old transgender girl from a youth basketball team, citing fairness and privacy concerns.
Ann Arbor parents are advocating for a complete bell-to-bell cellphone ban in schools, pushing beyond the district's current classroom-focused restrictions.
Wichita Public Schools has completed a three-year, $10.5 million project to install secured entrances in every school, enhancing safety for students and staff.
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Jefferson County Public Schools spent $1.73 million in seven months through 17 "ghost" purchasing accounts that lack individual oversight and accountability.
The Morrisville School District in Pennsylvania may be forced to shut down all schools by January 30 due to a four-month-long state budget impasse.
Maryland has released its annual star ratings for public schools, but this may be the last year for the current system as officials work to overhaul the state's accountability framework.
Celina ISD has placed a fifth employee on administrative leave amid allegations of inappropriate conduct, deepening concerns over personnel issues in the district.
Math teachers at a Vail high school sparked outrage by wearing "Problem Solved" T-shirts with fake blood, which some parents saw as a political statement.
A school bus driver shortage in Comstock, Michigan, is forcing the district's transportation supervisor to drive routes, leading to cancellations and student absences.
The Syracuse City School District has a new leader as Superintendent Anthony Davis retires. Deputy Pam Odom, a district alumna, takes over the role.