The rating system that gauges how well schools statewide are performing will most likely be suspended for a year by the Mississippi Board of Education while districts adjust to a tougher curriculum and more rigorous standardized tests.
That move, which comes up today for a final vote, means parents, cities and businesses won’t have a clearly identifiable way to judge how districts and schools are performing.
The ratings, from Level 1, low performing, to Level 5, superior performing, are used as badges of honor or embarrassing labels, depending on how well schools do. The system was first introduced in 2003.
The board also is expected to clear the way for the state’s takeover of the North Panola School District, a last resort to help improve poorly performing districts. During Thursday’s board meeting, Superintendent Hank Bounds and North Panola Superintendent Lucinda Carter disagreed about help given to the district.
Magnolia Tribune
