The Mississippi Board of Education meeting on January 18, 2024, highlighted significant improvements in student achievement and graduation rates across the state. The meeting featured discussions on the progress of various school districts, showcasing notable advancements in academic performance.

Superintendent Dr. Pulley reported that several districts have made remarkable strides. For instance, Knox County improved from an F to a C grade, while Holmes County moved from an F to a C for two consecutive years. The Achievement School District also showed progress, with Humphreys County improving to a D, although Yazoo City remained at an F despite an increase in points.

Overall, the data revealed that 87% of Mississippi schools now hold A, B, or C ratings, a significant increase from 62% in 2016. Additionally, 91% of districts achieved similar ratings, indicating a positive trend in educational outcomes statewide.

The meeting also addressed the issue of chronic absenteeism, which rose to 28% during the pandemic but has since decreased to 23.9%. Efforts are underway to further reduce this rate, emphasizing the importance of student attendance.

Dr. Polyvander presented an overview of the 2024 graduation rates, noting that while there has been an increase, the long-term impact of the pandemic on these rates remains uncertain. The state continues to calculate graduation rates using federally defined methods, and the next national cohort graduation rates will be released in May.

The Board acknowledged the collaborative efforts of educators and partners in improving literacy and educational resources, with 29 states seeking guidance from Mississippi on literacy policies. The meeting concluded with a recognition of the hard work and dedication of the state's educational leaders, emphasizing the importance of continued progress in student achievement.