Jackson Public Schools launches Project 75 to boost third grade literacy rates

Jackson Public Schools has launched an ambitious initiative, Project 75, aimed at ensuring that at least 75% of third-grade students pass the MAP literacy assessment on their first attempt by 2026. This bold plan was presented during the recent board meeting, highlighting the district's commitment to enhancing literacy among its youngest scholars.

The initiative comes in response to Mississippi's Literacy-Based Promotion Act, which mandates that third graders must pass a high-stakes test to be promoted to fourth grade. Currently, students who do not succeed on their first attempt have opportunities to retake the exam, including a summer session. However, the district aims to improve first-attempt success rates significantly, moving from a 2024 passage rate of approximately 69% after retests to a target of 75% or higher.

Project 75 is designed to address the challenges faced by students in achieving this goal. Historical data indicates that while there were slight improvements in passage rates over the past two years, the district recognizes the need for more substantial growth. The plan includes rigorous reforms and a consolidation of existing strategies to better support students in their literacy development.

The core strategies of Project 75 will focus on elevating students to higher proficiency levels, specifically targeting those who achieve levels 3, 4, or 5 on the assessment. By implementing these strategies, Jackson Public Schools aims to foster a culture of literacy that empowers students and prepares them for future academic success.

As the district moves forward with Project 75, the emphasis will be on ensuring that every scholar has the opportunity to achieve literacy and, as Frederick Douglass famously stated, "once you learn to read, you will forever be free." This initiative not only seeks to improve test scores but also aims to provide students with the foundational skills necessary for lifelong learning and success.