March 8, 2013
JACKSON, Miss. – The goal of the Mississippi Department of Education is for every child to be proficient in academic performance, regardless of race, gender or geographic location. The annual measurable objectives (AMO) are a commitment by the department to increase student growth and to target resources to help students reach their full potential.
MDE’s overall goal over the next six years is to have all students reach proficiency. However, achievement gaps exist among students in Mississippi as it does nationally. Dr. Lynn House, interim state superintendent of education, said the MDE wants to close those gaps while improving all students’ academic performance.
“We have not lowered the standards, but we have set aggressive goals for all students that challenge them to reach new heights,” House said.
Under the waiver from the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, the MDE has revised those expectations to accurately reflect students’ current performance levels, while still expecting all students to meet proficiency.
“We want to encourage students to reach achievable yet rigorous objectives to close the achievement gap,” House said.
Media Contact:
Patrice Guilfoyle, APR
Director of Communications
601-359-3706
Jean Cook, APR
Communications Specialist
601-359-3519