In a significant meeting held on November 1, 2024, the Mississippi Licensure Commission addressed critical changes to teacher education programs at Delta State University (DSU). The discussions centered on the approval of DSU's request to delete several traditional teacher education preparation programs and establish a new Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education degree.

The meeting began with the commission reviewing DSU's request to discontinue its existing licensure tracks in various subjects, including English, mathematics, music, physical education, and social studies for grades 7 through 12. This decision follows DSU's earlier announcement regarding a restructuring of its educational offerings, aimed at addressing operational challenges and aligning with current educational needs.

Dr. Corey Murphy, representing DSU, explained that the university's restructuring plan had been approved by the Mississippi Institution of Higher Learning. The new Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education program is designed to streamline the path to licensure for prospective teachers, consolidating multiple majors into a single degree with two areas of emphasis. This approach is intended to help mitigate the ongoing teacher shortages in Mississippi by providing a more efficient route for students to enter the teaching profession.

The commission unanimously approved the deletion of the outdated programs and the establishment of the new degree, emphasizing the importance of adapting educational pathways to better serve both students and the state's educational system. The new program will maintain compliance with state laws and Board of Education policies, ensuring that entry requirements remain consistent.

The meeting concluded with a clear commitment from the commission to support educational institutions in their efforts to innovate and respond to the evolving demands of the teaching workforce. As Mississippi continues to face challenges in teacher recruitment and retention, these changes at Delta State University represent a proactive step towards enhancing the quality and accessibility of teacher education in the state.