Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Assessment And Accountability topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Mississippi education board approves new kindergarten readiness cut scores; hears ACT results, gap analysis and student mentoring pilot
Summary
The Mississippi State Board of Education approved recommended cut scores for a newly adopted kindergarten readiness assessment (linked to Istation percentiles), heard spring 2024 ACT results and a required gap analysis, and viewed a student advisory council mentoring pilot. Approval of cut scores was requested contingent on full TAC review.
The Mississippi State Board of Education on Nov. 7 approved recommended cut scores for the department's new kindergarten readiness assessment and heard multiple informational reports on student performance and district gaps.
Board members voted by voice to approve recommended cut points for both literacy and numeracy on the new vendor assessment, with staff saying the recommended 'ready' cut is linked to Istation’s 60th percentile. Melissa Beck, the agency liaison between the academic and assessment offices, described the approval request as "contingent upon the full TAC" (Technical Advisory Committee) meeting next week to complete its review before final technical sign-off. The board approved the recommendation in the meeting; no opposing votes were recorded.
The board also received spring 2024 ACT results and the department's annual gap analysis. In the ACT briefing, agency presenters reported a statewide average composite for tested 11th graders of 17.4 and said seven districts posted averages of 20 or higher. Presenter Tim Samsel (ACT briefing) noted that only about 9–10% of students met all four ACT benchmark scores in recent reporting, and staff emphasized that ACT reporting practices are governed by an existing contract that runs through 2028.
In the required gap analysis for 2023–24, staff outlined methodology (first valid assessment attempt per student), subgroup definitions and federal masking rules, and a 'gap to 70% proficiency by 2027' metric used in the state's consolidated plan. Presenters said some subgroup gaps narrowed in 2024 but highlighted that gaps for African American, Hispanic and limited-English-proficient students widened in ELA this year. Staff pointed to long-term narrowing of some gaps compared with 2015–16 baselines but said much work remains to reach the state goal.
The board also heard from students who participated in MDE’s newly formed student advisory council. A student presenter, Kate, advocated for stronger digital and financial literacy instruction and said the council's first meeting drew 107 students. Student advisory council members showed a brief video and described a mentorship pilot (Impact Mentoring) run through the Boys & Girls Club: about 20–25 high school mentors paired with roughly 30 mentees in a Gulfport trial, with pre-assessment surveys to measure self-esteem, caregiver relationships, social competencies and school performance.
In additional business, the board approved two contracts presented by staff: a five-year contract with Cambion to administer the state's English-language proficiency assessment and a modification with Forvis, a CPA firm, to continue oversight work related to ESSER funds. Multiple procedural items, including the consent agenda, were approved by voice vote.
Board staff emphasized that several technical reviews and the full TAC review are still pending for the kindergarten readiness cut scores. The department said districts will receive table review materials and guidance as the TAC completes its review next week.
The board announced its December meeting will be held at Central High School's fourth-floor boardroom at 10:00 a.m. and adjourned following routine closing business.
