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Reading state test scores similar to pre-pandemic

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Third graders score close to pre-pandemic levels in state reading test

Mississippi third-graders scored similarly to 2019 levels on the “third grade reading gate,” showing relatively little pandemic learning loss. 

The Mississippi Department of Education released the initial results of the Mississippi Academic Assessment Program (MAAP) Third Grade Reading Summative Assessment on Thursday. In total, 73.9% of students passed the exam on the first try compared to 74.5% in 2019.

The Mississippi created the Literacy-Based Promotion Act in 2013, which requires all third-graders to pass a reading test before moving up to the fourth grade. Students must score a 3 or higher on the test to be promoted, which indicates they are competent in skills such as identifying main ideas, paraphrasing texts, understanding figurative language, determining the author’s point of view as well as their own, and using root words, prefixes and suffixes to change word meanings. 

These test results are the first that students will be held accountable for since the start of the pandemic. In 2021, students still tested as a benchmark even though passing was not required to advance; only 65.4% of students scored at the passing level. 

Kim Benton, interim chief academic officer, attributed the return to pre-pandemic passing levels (when compared to the 2021 scores) to the hard work of teachers, , families, and students.

“I think they were very intentional in determining their priorities, finding out exactly where were strong and where the opportunities to bridge gaps were — and then just plugging in,” Benton said. 

Benton highlighted during the Board of Education meeting on Thursday that schools with high initial pass rates attributed it to maximizing in-person instruction and maintaining a full schedule of instructional days, strengthening communication with families, and utilizing the materials provided by MDE. 

“As a parent, looking at those numbers, I think it gives a great comfort that the learning loss everybody has been worried about from COVID is not as bad as everybody expected,” said Matt Miller, board member of the State Board of Education.  

Just over 8,000 students who did not pass on their first attempt had the to retest May 9-13 and have another June 20-July 8. In 2019, when 9,000 students did not pass the first attempt, approximately 4,000 more students had passed by the final retest and 4,000 more were promoted with good cause exemptions, such as disabilities or passing an alternative assessment. 

For students that did not pass on the first two attempts, districts will be utilizing pandemic relief funds to summer reading camps, creating individualized reading plans for students, utilizing the PAPER tutoring program, and strengthening community partnerships that support students learning to read. 

“The hard work of teachers, students and parents to overcome academic setbacks caused by the pandemic is paying off,” said State Superintendent of Education Carey Wright.

This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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Mississippi News

Mississippi sees 5th largest increase in fatal crashes: study

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www.wjtv.com – Garret Grove – 2024-11-02 12:25:00

SUMMARY: A recent study highlights a troubling rise in road fatalities in Mississippi, with a nearly 31% increase in fatal accidents from 2012 to 2021, ranking it fifth highest in the country. The reported a spike during the 2024 Labor Day , responding to seven fatal crashes resulting in 15 deaths, to only three crashes and six deaths in 2021. Additionally, a 2023 showed Mississippi had the highest per capita fatal crashes during the Christmas period. Young drivers are particularly affected, as Mississippi ranks fifth for teenage driving fatalities nationwide.

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Mississippi News

Vicksburg man charged with assaulting woman in domestic dispute

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www.wjtv.com – Kaitlin Howell – 2024-11-02 11:33:00

SUMMARY: In Vicksburg, Mississippi, a domestic assault led to the hospitalization of a man and woman on November 2. were alerted by Merit Region after a 28-year-old man, Daron Evans, arrived with a stab wound. Authorities dispatched to the scene found the woman, who had also been assaulted. After receiving treatment, Evans was and charged with aggravated assault domestic violence; he is held without bond until his court appearance. The woman is in stable at the of Mississippi Medical Center. An investigation is ongoing.

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Mississippi News

Cloudy and humid weekend – Home – WCBI TV

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www.wcbi.com – Sadie Morris – 2024-11-02 10:13:00

SUMMARY: In Columbus, Mississippi, humid and cloudy weather is expected, with temperatures remaining above average in the lower 80s for the upcoming . Rain is forecasted for Election Day on Tuesday, continuing into the week with isolated showers likely. This Saturday will see patchy fog in the morning, clearing by midday, with a high around 80 degrees. Sunday will bring similar humidity, with a high in the lower 80s and mild overnight lows in the mid-60s. Throughout the week, expect persistent clouds and humidity alongside mild temperatures.

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