According to data released today by the Mississippi Department of Education, nearly 20% of Alcorn County third graders did not pass a required reading test to advance to the 4th grade. These numbers do not include Corinth students, as they are identified as a District of Innovation and follow a year-round schedule. The 3rd Grade MAAP ELA assessment was administered outside the primary testing window; therefore, the results are not included in this report.
The students have two more chances to pass the test, one that was administered last week and one later this summer, to be able to move on to the 4th grade.
“This year’s assessment is a new beginning because the passing score has been raised one level to move closer to measuring proficiency,” said Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education.
The LBPA requires that students who do not pass the 3rd Grade Reading Assessment be retained in 3rd grade, unless the student meets the good cause exemptions specified in the law. Exemptions apply to certain students with disabilities, students learning English or students who have been previously retained. Local school districts determine which of their students who did not pass qualify for one of the good cause exemptions for promotion to 4th grade. The law requires schools to provide intensive reading intervention services to students retained in the 3rd grade and to students promoted to 4th grade with a good cause exemption.
19.4% of the students in the Alcorn County School district did not meet the passing threshold. This was above the state average. You can see the complete report here.
