The Mississippi Board of Education made significant strides in educational innovation during its March 7, 2024, meeting, approving new programs aimed at enhancing student readiness for college and careers. Among the key decisions was the approval of two new Schools of Innovation: Western Line School District's Collegiate Academy and New Albany Middle School's 5 by 5 block schedule.

Western Line School District is set to launch the Western Line Collegiate Academy, a middle college program in partnership with Mississippi Delta Community College. This initiative will allow students from O'Bannon High School and Riverside High School to earn college credits while still in high school, with a goal of 85% of participants obtaining an associate's degree. This program is particularly focused on first-generation college students, aiming to provide them with the support and resources needed to succeed in higher education.

New Albany Middle School will implement a 5 by 5 block schedule, which is designed to offer tailored remediation and enrichment opportunities for students. This innovative approach is expected to increase overall proficiency and specifically target growth among the bottom 25% of students. The school aims to set measurable goals over a five-year period to assess the effectiveness of this new schedule.

Additionally, existing Schools of Innovation, Hattiesburg High School and Oxford School District, are revising their plans to incorporate the 5 by 5 block schedule, enhancing opportunities for internships and experiential learning. These revisions reflect a commitment to providing students with more flexible learning options that accommodate extracurricular activities and diverse academic interests.

The board's decisions underscore a broader commitment to fostering innovative educational practices across Mississippi, ensuring that all students have equitable access to quality education. As these programs roll out, the Board of Education will monitor their progress and impact, paving the way for future initiatives aimed at improving educational outcomes statewide.