MS Education Superintendent Wants To Suspend State Tests

The coronavirus may have a lasting impact on this school year…

The Mississippi superintendent of education says state and federal testing requirements should be suspended. The growing number of coronavirus testing could be halting academic testing.

State Superintendent Dr. Carey Wright is recommending to the state board of education that a half dozen assessment and accountability requirements be deferred. Those tests include the “Mississippi Academic Assessment program” and the “A-C-T” for high school juniors.

Doctor Wright calls it an “unprecedented time in our state and country.” She is also recommending the state board may need to waive attendance, promotion and graduation policies if schools remain closed for an extended period.

The Department of Education is also working with state lawmakers to address paying school employees during an extended school closure. To see the full list of tests the superintendent wants to suspend click here.

The state board of education will meet virtually to discuss this on Thursday morning and the public is asked to view the meeting via livestream at http://bit.ly/SBElive.