{"id":3812,"date":"2025-12-18T13:46:23","date_gmt":"2025-12-18T19:46:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mdek12.org\/communications\/?p=3812"},"modified":"2025-12-18T13:46:23","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T19:46:23","slug":"mde-invests-17-5-million-in-coaching-support-for-schools-in-2025-26-to-build-upon-student-gains","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mdek12.org\/communications\/2025\/12\/18\/mde-invests-17-5-million-in-coaching-support-for-schools-in-2025-26-to-build-upon-student-gains\/","title":{"rendered":"MDE invests $17.5 million in coaching support for schools in 2025-26 to build upon student gains"},"content":{"rendered":"

NEWS RELEASE\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

For Immediate Release: December 18, 2025<\/p>\n

MDE invests $17.5 million in coaching support for schools in 2025-26 to build upon student gains<\/strong><\/p>\n

JACKSON, Miss. \u2013 The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) today provided an update to the Mississippi State Board of Education about the state\u2019s investment in coaching support to schools and its impact on student achievement. For the 2025-26 school year, MDE has allocated approximately $17.5 million in state funds for coaches to build the capacity of teachers and school leaders to continue to help students achieve better academic outcomes. In addition, MDE has dedicated approximately $800,000 in federal school improvement dollars to expand its team of school improvement leadership coaches.<\/p>\n

MDE coaches work directly with educators and school leaders to strengthen instruction and leadership in the areas of literacy, mathematics, special education and school improvement. Coaches are assigned to schools with the lowest proficiency rates in English Language Arts (ELA) or math and to schools with low-performing student population groups such as students with disabilities.<\/p>\n

Over the past decade, Mississippi\u2019s coaching model has been instrumental in improving student achievement statewide, helping make Mississippi No. 1 in the nation for fourth-grade score improvements on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) since 2013. The state\u2019s academic achievements have boosted its national ranking from 48th in 2014 to 16th in 2025, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation\u2019s KIDS COUNT Data Book.<\/p>\n

Coaches help establish and maintain a school-wide culture focused on learning and guide educators in refining their instruction and interventions. School improvement coaches meet regularly with district leaders to provide professional development and monitor implementation of effective leadership practices. Using the gradual release model, coaches work to move teachers and school leaders toward greater independence and mastery of effective practices.<\/p>\n

The leaders of schools and districts where coaches are assigned sign an agreement with MDE that outlines how they will work cooperatively with their assigned coaches to improve student achievement.<\/p>\n

\u201cMDE commits targeted state dollars to schools and districts to strengthen instruction and leadership to ensure students succeed,\u201d said Dr. Lance Evans, state superintendent of education. \u201cLocal district buy-in and support are necessary for coaches to be effective in building the capacity of teachers and school leaders.\u201d<\/p>\n

MDE began deploying coaches to schools after the passage of the Literacy-Based Promotion Act of 2013, which provided dedicated funding to improve students\u2019 literacy skills in grades K-3. MDE\u2019s coaching staff has expanded from 29 literacy coaches in 2013-14 to a team of 90 literacy, math, special education and school improvement coaches this school year who provide support in 187 schools in 119 districts.<\/p>\n

MDE coaches and professional development initiatives are key factors in the state\u2019s improved academic achievement, which includes:<\/p>\n