MDE Releases Compulsory School Attendance Law Reminder
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: September 1, 2020
JACKSON, Miss. – As the new school year begins, the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) Office of Compulsory School Attendance Enforcement would like to remind parents about the law governing school attendance and about the deadline for notifying school districts of home school decisions.
Starkville Junior Selected as State Board of Education Student Representative
MDE Announces New Members of the Mississippi Teacher Advisory Council
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: August 26, 2020
JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) announced today the addition of over 100 experienced and highly regarded professionals from across the state to serve on the Mississippi Teacher Advisory Council (MTAC). The MTAC, formed in 2016, now has more than 300 educators representing schools in urban and rural settings and an array of content areas, including general education, arts, special education and career and technical education.
MDE Disputes OSA Letter on Equity in Distance Learning Act
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: August 25, 2020
JACKSON, Miss. — The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) disputes State Auditor Shad White’s claims that the agency is ignoring state law in its implementation of the Equity in Distance Learning Act (SB 3044) and is making it difficult for districts to purchase technology for students.
MDE Raises Concerns About OSA Report on Career and Technical Education
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: August 14, 2020
JACKSON, Miss. — The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) is raising concerns about the Office of the State Auditor (OSA) report on career and technical education (CTE) because it contains inaccurate information and it holds MDE responsible for work conducted by the National Strategic Planning and Research Center (nSPARC) at Mississippi State University.
Two Mississippi Science Teachers Earn Presidential Awards for Excellence
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: August 10, 2020
JACKSON, Miss. – Two Mississippi science teachers are among the nation’s best as awardees of the 2020 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). The PAEMST Program is the nation’s highest honor for teachers of mathematics and science (including computer science).
Dr. Carey Wright to Deliver Lecture for Historic Chautauqua Institution
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: August 7, 2020
JACKSON, Miss. — Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education, will deliver the concluding lecture at 9:45 a.m. today for the Chautauqua Institution's week on “Rebuilding Public Education.”
MDE Publishes School District Schedules Submitted by July 31
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: August 6, 2020
JACKSON, Miss. – School district reopening plans for the 2020-21 school year are now available on the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) school reopening guidance webpage. Most school districts submitted plans to the MDE by a July 31 deadline, prior to Gov. Tate Reeves’ Executive Order on Tuesday delaying the start of school in several counties.
MDE Helps to Equip School Districts with Technology for Distance Learning
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: August 6, 2020
JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) is working with school districts statewide to implement two new laws designed to equip students with the technology to learn at school or at home.
The Equity in Distance Learning Act (SB 3044) provides $150 million to school districts to pay for computer devices for students and teachers, software to deliver instruction, enhanced internet connectivity and professional development for digital teaching and learning.
School Districts Finalizing Plans for Start of New School Year
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: July 24, 2020
JACKSON, Miss. — All Mississippi school districts will finalize plans for the start of the new school year by July 31.
State law requires Mississippi schools to operate 180 days each school year, with the school year ending by June 30. By law, school districts are in charge of setting their school calendars, including the first and last day of school.