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Jackson Public Schools launches 'Project 75' to boost third‑grade pass rates on first test
Summary
JPS presented Project 75, an equity‑centered plan aiming for at least 75% of third‑grade scholars to pass the statewide MAP literacy assessment on their first attempt through diagnostics, tiered supports, mandatory after‑school intervention and improved longitudinal tracking.
Jackson Public Schools officials presented Project 75 on Aug. 13, a district plan that sets an explicit goal: at least 75% of third‑grade scholars should pass the MAP literacy assessment on their first administration in 2026.
The plan, introduced to the Jackson Public School District Board of Trustees, lays out a combination of diagnostic screening, targeted interventions and expanded time for instruction. The presentation noted that the district reached roughly 69% passage after retesting in 2025 and seeks to shift more of that improvement to the first test through early identification and aligned supports.
Project 75 emphasizes five new or expanded strategies: adding a core phonics diagnostic to complement universal screeners; using tiered supports that prioritize schools with the most retentions; piloting Opportunity Culture Literacy Coalition work (multi‑classroom leader model) in five schools; mandating after‑school programming for retained and struggling second‑ and third‑graders; and improving longitudinal tracking so central office and principals can monitor individual scholars' intervention histories.
District leaders said the initiative will combine strengthened teacher professional development in the science of reading (phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension), targeted student placement so scholars with the most acute deficits receive experienced teachers, and greater family engagement tools such as “parent toolkits” and household resources including access to audio books (MyON) and fluency practice materials.
Project 75 also includes measurable implementation goals: 100% of scholars eligible for Good Cause Exemption (students with prior retentions) will receive aligned interventions; 100% of identified at‑risk scholars will have biweekly principal/interventionist data meetings and an intervention folder documenting supports received; and 100% of teachers and assistant teachers will be trained in foundational literacy intervention strategies. The presentation noted an intention to use existing partnerships and to scale successful pilots.
Board members asked how the plan would avoid removing students from current interventions; presenters clarified that no scholar would lose an existing intervention and that the plan initially emphasizes after‑school expansions and selection processes to identify high‑impact instructors rather than immediate teacher transfers. Officials also cited a need to sustain curriculum materials over time to build staff capacity.
District staff said Project 75 will be brought back to the board with additional operational details and pledged to report progress as implementation begins.
