How Mississippi’s bold reforms turned its schools into a national reading success story
Mississippi’s education system has seen a dramatic turnaround in recent years. Once ranked near the bottom in national education standings, the state now sits among the top 10 for fourth-grade reading. This shift has sparked widespread discussion—and some scepticism—about how such rapid progress was achieved.
In 2013, Mississippi ranked 49th in the nation for education. A decade later, its approach to teaching reading has transformed outcomes for young learners. State officials, led by the Mississippi Department of Education and then-Superintendent Carey Wright, introduced a science-of-reading-based literacy programme for early years. They also tied school accountability to student reading performance, a move often credited with driving the state’s gains.
Unlike many states, Mississippi took an unusually hands-on role in directing schools, even as the United States traditionally favours local control. The government provided teachers with more support, ensuring the new methods were implemented effectively. These changes have made Mississippi one of the best places in the country for disadvantaged children to receive an education. The so-called 'Mississippi miracle' has drawn both admiration and questions. While improving schools on a large scale is known to be difficult, the state’s results suggest that a mix of strong policies, clear expectations, and targeted support can make a measurable difference.
Mississippi’s rise in reading performance reflects more than just a change in teaching methods. By combining structured literacy instruction with strict accountability and teacher support, the state has reshaped its education system. The results now place it among the top performers for early reading—proving that even long-standing challenges can be overcome with the right approach.
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