Dec 14, 2017
JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi Department of Education released today the achievement gap data for students who took statewide assessments in English language arts and mathematics in the 2016-17 school year. The data show additional work must be done to ensure all students have the opportunity to reach their academic goals.
Achievement gap analysis identifies any disparity in academic performance between subgroups of Mississippi’s students in 3rd through 12th grade. Proficiency is considered meeting or exceeding expectations for what a student should know or be able to do in a grade or course. Overall, Mississippi has significant achievement gaps even with slight improvements among some subgroups.
Based on the analysis of Mississippi student performance, the achievement gap in both English and mathematics widened for African-American and Hispanic students when compared to white students, but the gap narrowed between Asian and multiracial students when compared to white students.
Other data from the report included:
- The gap increased between economically advantaged and economically disadvantaged students in both English and mathematics.
- The gap widened in English between English speaking students and English learners but the gap narrowed in mathematics.
- The gap narrowed between male and female students in English but it widened in mathematics.
- The gap increased in both English and mathematics between students without disabilities and students with disabilities.
“I encourage school districts to carefully examine the data in this report and implement plans to address the disparity of performance between student groups. The state has set ambitious goals to close the achievement gap over the next 10 years, and it will take aggressive and coordinated efforts to accomplish these goals. The MDE will continue to provide technical assistance and support to schools and districts as they work to close gaps,” said Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education.
Media Contact:
Patrice Guilfoyle, APR
Director of Communications
601-359-3706
Jean Cook, APR
Communications Specialist
601-359-3519