January 23, 2017
JACKSON, Miss – In an effort to assist school districts with the implementation of the Literacy-Based Promotion Act, the Mississippi Department of Education is conducting regional meetings for parents of Kindergarten through 3rd grade students. Parents will receive an overview of the legislation and assessment, as well as strategies that can be used at home to help improve reading outcomes for children.
The Literacy-Based Promotion Act focuses on prevention and intervention to help children develop the reading skills required for 4th grade. The legislation requires that 3rd grade students who do not meet reading standards by the end of the school year will not be promoted to 4th grade, unless they meet standards for exemption.
The Literacy-Based Promotion Act has made reading instruction a major focus of Kindergarten through 3rd grade. Throughout the school year, teachers have been providing intensive reading instruction to students reading below grade level. Parent involvement is also critical to students’ success.
“Parents are their child’s first teacher, and reading with children is a proven way to promote early literacy,” said Dr. Kymyona Burk, state literacy director. “By reading with children for 20 minutes per day and making a few simple strategies a part of their daily routine, parents can make a positive impact on their child’s success in school.”
Media Contact:
Patrice Guilfoyle, APR
Director of Communications
601-359-3706
Jean Cook, APR
Communications Specialist
601-359-3519