At its Nov. 20 meeting, the Mississippi Department of Education presented three regular assessment updates: the MAP achievement‑gap analysis, statewide ACT results and fall 2025 kindergarten readiness findings.

MAP gap analysis: Allen, presenting the gap analysis, said staff compare 2024–25 proficiency rates to a 70% proficiency target (the state's ESSA‑aligned goal) and report subgroup gaps to that target. He said gaps are persistent for economically disadvantaged students, Black/African American students and students with disabilities and that some small gains appear in English language arts for certain groups. Allen noted the analysis uses first‑attempt end‑of‑course data and a heat‑map district view for local targeting.

ACT results: Staff reported a slight increase in the 11th‑grade composite from 17.4 to 17.5 in 2025 and a stable composite of 17.7 for the graduating class (public and private combined). The presentation showed component‑level shifts (English and math up slightly; reading down) and noted about 10% of students met all four ACT benchmark scores at the state level.

Kindergarten readiness: Presenters explained a vendor transition and an emergency contract with Renaissance Learning that introduced changes in scale scores and comparability. MDE used a percentile threshold (the 56th percentile) to level results across months; presenters reported 31,602 kindergarteners tested with 37.07% at or above the 56th percentile and described statewide steps—coaching, screener use and structured transitions—to support early literacy.

Board questions: Members asked for definitions (staff said 'economic disadvantage' is determined by free/reduced‑price lunch eligibility) and pressed how the department will use the data. Staff cited supports such as literacy coaches, synchronous REACH programming and a proposed adolescent literacy initiative pending appropriations.

What happens next: Staff said the department will continue district‑level supports and provide updates, including a planned report card tied to the strategic plan.