Literacy

Mississippi Literacy-Based Promotion Initiative

The Office of Elementary Education and Reading is responsible for supporting and training K-3rd grade teachers, curriculum specialists and other educators by providing research-based instructional strategies on literacy and guidance on the implementation of the Literacy-Based Promotion Act. Passed during the 2013 legislative session, the Literacy-Based Promotion Act (LBPA) places an emphasis on grade-level reading skills, particularly as students’ progress through grades K-3. Beginning in the 2014-2015 school year, a student scoring at the lowest achievement level in reading on the established state-wide assessment for 3rd grade will not be promoted to 4th grade unless the student qualifies for a good cause exemption. 

The LBPA was amended in 2016 and includes changes such as an Individual Reading Plan (IRP) and increased expectations for 3rd grade students beginning in 2018-2019. 

Questions may be directed to Dr. Kymyona Burk, State Literacy Director (K-12), at kymyona.burk@mdek12.org or 601-359-2586. Questions may also be directed to the K-3 Assistant State Literacy Coordinators: LeighAnne Cheeseman, Jill Hoda, Casey Sullivan, or Kristen Wells.

Visit www.strongreadersms.com for the latest resources, activities and news about Mississippi's literacy campaign.

Tools and Supports

State Literacy Plan

• Mississippi Comprehensive Literacy Plan (Birth-12th Grade)

Educators and Parents

• Professional Development and Resources for Teachers
• Resources for Administrators
• Literacy Research
• Resources for Parents
• IRP Guidance Webinar
• Kindergarten Integrated Centers for Literacy
• Universal Screener Companion Guide - Diagnostic Assessments
• LBPA FAQs (August 2018)
• Individual Reading Plan (IRP) FAQs 

2018-2019 MDE Regional Literacy Trainings - Resources 

• ABCs of Coaching Training Binder v3
• Tools for Literacy Training Binder (K-2)
• A Blueprint for Literacy Training Binder (3-5)
• A Blueprint for Literacy 2.0 Training Binder (Alternatives to Test Prep) (3-5)
• Rethink Literacy: Elevating Literacy Practices Training Binder (6-12)
• MDE MS Questar Writing Rubric Training (Webinar) 
• MDE MS Questar Writing Rubric Presentation (PDF)
• MDE MS Questar Writing Rubric Training Resources 
• Writing Tips
• Student Writing Samples with Annotations (3rd Grade)

Literacy Support Schools List

• 2018-2019 Literacy Support Schools List
• Literacy Support (2013-Present)

LBPA Implementation Studies

• Mississippi Turns Literacy-Based Promotion Act for Third Graders into Action (SECC, 2016)
• Educator Outcomes Associated with Implementation of Mississippi's K-3 Early Literacy Professional Development Initiative (Folsom, Smith, Burk, & Oakley, 2017)