The Mississippi Board of Education convened on November 7, 2024, to discuss critical updates on student performance and accountability, particularly focusing on ACT results and achievement gaps among various student subgroups. The meeting highlighted significant improvements in ACT scores, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance educational outcomes across the state.

Dr. Vanderford opened the session by presenting the spring 2024 ACT results, marking the tenth year of administering the test to eleventh graders. The average composite score for Mississippi students was reported at 17.4, with seven districts achieving an average score of 20 or above. This year saw an increase in the number of students assessed, which correlates with higher enrollment figures. Notably, the data indicated that students who followed a more rigorous course load tended to achieve higher scores, emphasizing the importance of academic rigor in student performance.

The board also reviewed a gap analysis report, mandated by federal law, which assesses the progress in closing achievement gaps among different student subgroups in English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics. The analysis revealed that while some subgroups showed improvement, others, particularly African American and Hispanic students, experienced widening gaps. The report aims to track progress towards a state goal of 70% proficiency by 2027, with the current data indicating that most subgroups are inching closer to this target.

The meeting underscored the importance of continuous monitoring and intervention strategies to support underperforming groups. The board discussed the need for targeted support, particularly for those subgroups that are lagging behind, as highlighted by the heat map visualizations presented during the meeting. These tools are designed to help districts identify areas needing immediate attention and resources.

In conclusion, the Mississippi Board of Education's discussions reflect a commitment to improving educational outcomes and accountability. The positive trends in ACT scores and the ongoing efforts to address achievement gaps signal a proactive approach to enhancing student success across the state. As the board continues to analyze data and implement strategies, the focus remains on ensuring that all students have the opportunity to achieve their academic goals.