NEWS RELEASE

Release Date: September 23, 2009

Contact: Pete Smith, Director of Communications 601.359.1336

Mississippi Board of Education approves growth component to go out for public comment

Jackson, Miss. - The Mississippi Board of Education (MBE) met today in an interim special called meeting to begin the Administrative Procedures Act (APA) process to approve the growth component of the new State Accountability Model.

The implementation of the new accountability model for school and district classifications requires the development and implementation of a growth component. The Commission on School Accreditation met on September 22, 2009 to review and finalize a recommended growth component to present to the MBE.

The new State Accountability Model will make its debut this fall and schools and districts will receive one of seven classifications: Star, High Performing, Successful, Academic Watch, Low Performing, At-Risk of Failing and Failing.

Comments must be submitted by October 19, 2009 in writing to Jean Massey, Office of Accreditation at jmassey@mde.k12.ms.us, faxed to 601-359-1979 or mailed to Office of Accreditation c/o Jean Massey, P.O. Box 771, Jackson, MS 39205.