Development News for Laurel, Mississippi

New Statewide Mediation Process for Special Education Disputes to be Established

The State Board of Education is initiating the Administrative Procedures Act (APA) process to create Mississippi Administrative Code 7.374.22, establishing a statewide mediation process for special education disputes. This policy aligns with IDEA requirements, making mediation voluntary, covered by MDE, and ensuring timely resolution. Agreements will be documented in writing, but confidentiality pledges will no longer be required. This policy development is a corrective action following an audit citation.

Third Grade Reading Assessment Shows Slight Dip in Pass Rate; Focus Remains on Intervention and HQIM

The State Board of Education received an informational report on the Spring 2026 MAAP third-grade initial reading summative assessment results. The results showed a slight decrease in the initial pass rate to 76.5% from a high of 77.3% in Spring 2025, with results closely resembling Spring 2024. The report detailed the number of districts meeting certain pass rate thresholds, noting a decrease in districts with 80% or more passing, but an increase in districts with 90% or more passing. The report also outlined the 'good cause exemptions' for students who do not pass the initial assessment. Next steps include continued support for foundational literacy skills, emphasizing high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) implementation, formative assessment, and targeted interventions, while also focusing on maximizing instructional time and balancing digital with teacher-led instruction.

State Board Reviews Five Contracts Including Legal Counsel, Data Support, and Teacher Funds

The State Board of Education considered five contracts: 1) Gay, Jones and Koon PLC for $72,000 for supplementary legal counsel on Special Education (SPED) enforcement and compliance with IDEA. 2) A three-year renewal with Management Services for Education Data for state migrant education program data support. 3) A one-year renewal for Michael Kent at $156,092 for school and district transformation work. 4) Insight Public Sector Inc. for $754,751.35 over three years to support teacher instructional enhancement fund cards. 5) A modification to the Gay, Jones and Koon PLC contract, increasing it by $18,000 for current fiscal year SPED legal counsel. All contracts are on a 'not to exceed' or 'as needed' basis.

State Board Approves $827,000 Grant for Senior Research Director in Academic Education Office

The State Board of Education approved a $827,000 Educator in Residence (EIR) grant over five years to fund a senior research director position within the Office of Academic Education. This role will focus on evaluating and measuring the effectiveness of program implementations, particularly those funded by state funds, to demonstrate return on investment. The position is intended to be filled by an existing MDE employee starting in July.