View APA submissions in the Mississippi Administrative Bulletin on the Secretary of State’s website.
Division of Educator Licensure
Office of Chief Accountability Officer
Proposed revision of Miss. Admin. Code 7-4: Part 4: Licensure Guidelines K-12
On August 21, 2025, the State Board of Education (SBE) granted approval to begin the Administrative Procedures Act process to require all candidates seeking initial licensure in the area of Elementary Education (K-3/K-6/4-6) to earn a passing score on either the Foundations of Reading assessment or Pathways to Proficient Reading following a Foundations of Reading assessment attempt and to establish a Three-Year Entry-Level Elementary Education Non-Renewable License option to allow completion of the Pathways to Proficient Reading while in-service for the purpose of obtaining a standard renewable five-year license
Background Information: On April 21, 2016, and June 16, 2016, the State Board of Education granted approval to require eligible teachers in Elementary Traditional Route Programs and Elementary Alternate Route Programs, respectively, to pass the Foundations of Reading assessment. Effective July 1, 2016, Mississippi Code Annotated § 37-3-2 requires that a teacher candidate must earn a passing score on a rigorous test of scientifically research-based reading instruction and intervention and data-based decision-making principles as approved by the State Board of Education for initial elementary education licensure.
MDE’s recent comprehensive policy review revealed increases in both structured literacy coursework requirements and statewide science of reading professional development since the policy went into effect. Specifically, candidates within all traditional bachelor’s degree and non-traditional Master of Arts in Teaching Elementary Education K-6 preparation programs are now required to complete structured literacy coursework. This is in addition to MDE’s continued expansion of science of reading professional development for K-5 general education teachers statewide. Course completion for the statewide science of reading professional development, Pathways to Proficient Reading, requires a rigorous test of scientifically research-based reading instruction and intervention and data-based decision-making principles through both section scores and a post-knowledge inventory score. The weighted average from these two components must be at least eighty percent (80%) for a passing score. Applicants meeting all criteria for the standard renewable five-year license would not be required to hold the Three-Year Entry-Level Elementary Education Non-Renewable License prior to conversion.
To address Elementary Education shortages through high-quality preparation and professional development, on July 11, 2025, at its regular meeting, the Licensure Commission granted approval of a request received from the Offices of Teaching and Leading and Elementary Education and Reading to require all applicants seeking initial licensure in Elementary Education to earn a passing score on either the Foundations of Reading assessment or Pathways to Proficient Reading following a Foundations of Reading assessment attempt and establish a Three-Year Non-Renewable Entry-Level License option in the area of Elementary Education to allow completion of the Pathways to Proficient Reading while in-service for the purpose of obtaining a standard renewable five-year license.
Please submit written comments to Dr. Cory Murphy, Office of Teaching and Leading, 359 North West Street, Post Office Box 771, Jackson, MS 39205-0771. You may also submit comments in writing by email at (licensure@mdek12.org).
All public comments must be received in the Division of Educator Licensure no later than 5:00 p.m. on September 22, 2025. APA Comments will be presented to the SBE on October 16, 2025.
Division of Educator Licensure
Office of Chief Accountability Officer
Proposed revision of Miss. Admin. Code 7-4: Part 4: Licensure Guidelines K-12
On August 21, 2025, the State Board of Education (SBE) granted approval to begin the Administrative Procedures Act process to revise Miss. Admin. Code: 7 – 4: Part 4: Licensure Guidelines K-12 to amend the Foundations of Reading assessment requirement by removing the assessment from being required as one condition for obtaining licensure in the endorsement area of Special Education Mild/Moderate (licensure codes: 221 (K-12) and 223 (K-8))
Background Information: On December 16, 2021, the State Board of Education granted approval to require all candidates seeking to obtain initial licensure in the area of Special Education to earn a passing score on a rigorous test of scientifically research-based reading instruction, interventions, and data-based decision-making principles (i.e., Foundations of Reading). The MDE committed to monitoring impact of the new requirement and submitting recommendations for revisions, if warranted, based on concerns raised within the public comments received at the time of approval.
MDE’s recent comprehensive policy review revealed increases in both structured literacy coursework requirements and statewide science of reading professional development since the policy went into effect. Specifically, candidates within all non-traditional Master of Arts in Teaching Special Education preparation programs are now required to complete structured literacy coursework. This is in addition to MDE’s continued expansion of science of reading professional development for all K-8 special education teachers statewide.
To address the critical shortage area of Special Education through high-quality preparation and professional development, on July 11, 2025, at its regular meeting, the Licensure Commission granted approval of a request received from the Offices of Teaching and Leading and Special Education to revise Miss. Admin. Code 7 – 4: Licensure Guidelines K-12 to amend the Foundations of Reading assessment requirement for initial licensure in Special Education by removing the assessment from being required as one condition for obtaining licensure in the endorsement area of Special Education Mild/Moderate (licensure codes: 221 (K-12) and 223 (K-8)).
Please submit written comments to Dr. Cory Murphy, Office of Teaching and Leading, 359 North West Street, Post Office Box 771, Jackson, MS 39205-0771. You may also submit comments in writing by email at (licensure@mdek12.org).
All public comments must be received in the Division of Educator Licensure no later than 5:00 p.m. on September 22, 2025. APA Comments will be presented to the SBE on October 16, 2025.
Division of Educator Licensure
Office of Chief Accountability Officer
Proposed revision of Miss. Admin. Code 7-4: Part 4: Licensure Guidelines K-12
On August 21, 2025, the State Board of Education (SBE) granted approval to begin the Administrative Procedures Act process to revise Miss. Admin. Code 7 – 4: Part 4: Licensure Guidelines K-12 to revise the acceptable degree requirement for Mississippi State Board of Education-approved nontraditional licensure pathways
Background Information: The Office of Teaching and Leading, Division of Educator Licensure, continues to review all guidelines pertaining to the issuance, renewal, and reinstatement of an educator license to ensure that all requirements remain relevant to the contextual framework of the present day. Currently, certain pathways for obtaining initial licensure only permit a bachelor’s degree as an acceptable degree requirement for entry into and obtaining licensure by way of a Mississippi State Board of Education approved nontraditional educator preparation program. However, certain professions, particularly within the medical related fields, allow candidates to pursue an advanced degree without first obtaining a bachelor’s degree.
Therefore, the Division of Educator Licensure is seeking approval to revise current licensure guidelines to include the acceptance of a bachelor’s degree or higher as one criterion for gaining unconditional entrance into and licensure by way of the completion of an approved Mississippi State Board of Education nontraditional educator preparation program. Furthermore, the proposed revision is aligned with the existing degree requirement associated with traditional licensure pathways.
All requirements noted herein shall be effective upon receipt of final Mississippi Board of Education approval on the date established by the Secretary of State’s Office at final filing.
Please submit written comments to Dr. Cory Murphy, Office of Teaching and Leading, 359 North West Street, Post Office Box 771, Jackson, MS 39205-0771. You may also submit comments in writing by email at (licensure@mdek12.org).
All public comments must be received in the Division of Educator Licensure no later than 5:00 p.m. on September 22, 2025. APA Comments will be presented to the SBE on October 16, 2025.
Division of Secondary Education
Office of Chief Academic Officer
On July 17, 2025, the State Board of Education (SBE) granted approval of temporary rule and to begin the Administrative Procedures Act process to approve the Bridge to Career Curriculum that provides standards and resources for the portfolio and exhibit option for meeting End-of-Course (EOC) Assessment Requirements
Background Information: On April 17, 2025, the State Board of Education approved the revision to the Mississippi Public School Accountability Standards, 2024, Appendix A-5 – Additional Assessment Options for Meeting EOC Assessment Requirements. This revision approved the creation of a portfolio and exhibit option for students who do not obtain a passing score on one or more EOC assessments. This option, the Bridge to Career Course, is designed to foster real-world skills and promote personal growth and supports students in building credentials and experiences that prepare them for success in the workforce, post-secondary education, and life beyond high school. The curriculum includes four specific units including career exploration and workplace readiness, career documents and interview preparation, portfolio development and exhibit creation and presentation, along with credential programs and scoring rubrics to ensure consistency of course implementation throughout the state.
The temporary rule and final action are necessary to implement the curriculum immediately upon its filing with the Secretary of State in accordance with Miss. Code Ann. § 25-43-3.113(2)(b)(ii).
The proposed curriculum is available for public comment and review via the MDE APA Notice Website and the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Administrative Bulletin. To locate the filing documents on the Secretary of State website, select “Title 7 – Department of Education” in the Agency Search dropdown menu.
Please submit written comments to Ma’Kesha Adams, Office of Curriculum and Instruction, 359 North West Street, Post Office Box 771, Jackson, MS 39205-0771. You may also submit comments in writing by email at secondaryeducation@mdek12.org.
All public comments must be received in the Division of Secondary Education no later than 5:00 p.m. on August 23, 2025. APA Comments will be presented to the SBE on September 25, 2025.
Division of Secondary Education
Office of Chief Academic Officer
Proposed revision of State Board Policy Chapter 36, Rule 36.5 -Additional Assessment Options for Meeting End-of-Course (EOC) Assessment Requirements
On July 17, 2025, the State Board of Education (SBE) granted approval of temporary rule and to begin the Administrative Procedures Act process to revise State Board Policy Chapter 36, Rule 36.5 – Additional Assessment Options for Meeting End-of-Course (EOC) Assessment Requirements
Background Information: On April 17, 2025, the State Board of Education approved the revision to the Mississippi Public School Accountability Standards, 2024, Appendix A-5 – Additional Assessment Options for Meeting EOC Assessment Requirements. This revision approved the creation of an additional exhibit portfolio option for qualifying second semester seniors or fifth year seniors from the Class of 2025 who do not obtain a passing score on one or more EOC assessments. This option, the Bridge to Career Course, will provide students with an opportunity to explore and experience career opportunities that will assist in the transition to post-secondary.
On June 3, 2025, the Commission on School Accreditation (CSA) approved the request for the State Board of Education to begin the Administrative Procedures Act (APA) process to revise State Board Policy Chapter 36, Rule 36.5 to include the portfolio and exhibit option in lieu of meeting the EOC Assessment requirement.
The temporary rule and final action are necessary to implement the policy revisions immediately upon its filing with the Secretary of State in accordance with Miss. Code Ann. § 25-43-3.113(2)(b)(ii).
The revised policy is available for public comment and review via the MDE APA Notice Website and the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Administrative Bulletin. To locate the filing documents on the Secretary of State website, select “Title 7 – Department of Education” in the Agency Search dropdown menu.
Please submit written comments to Ma’Kesha Adams, Office of Curriculum and Instruction, 359 North West Street, Post Office Box 771, Jackson, MS 39205-0771. You may also submit comments in writing by email at secondaryeducation@mdek12.org.
All public comments must be received in the Division of Secondary Education no later than 5:00 p.m. on August 23, 2025. APA Comments will be presented to the SBE on September 25, 2025.
