Mississippi's education system underwent significant transformation under the leadership of Carey Wright, the state's former Superintendent of Education, between 2013 and 2022. Initially, Mississippi had some of the lowest literacy scores in the U.S., with poor preparation among teachers and a failed rollout of the Common Core curriculum. Additionally, the state faced high child poverty rates and ongoing lawsuits regarding racial segregation in schools, exacerbating educational disparities.
Wright's strategy focused on two key legislative acts: the Literacy-Based Promotion Act, which emphasized early literacy, and the Early Learning Collaborative Act, which directed public funding towards early education. By capitalizing on these laws, she built deep relationships with community stakeholders, transforming the state's education system.
Over a decade, Mississippi became one of the fastest-improving states in both literacy and math, as measured by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). The state notably narrowed the racial achievement gap in education. By retirement in 2022, Wright had served three times longer than the average state education leader, leaving behind a transformed state education system.
Key changes included:
- Cultivating a Culture of High Expectations: Wright worked to change the mindset of educators and the public, emphasizing that all children in Mississippi could succeed.
- Strategic Leadership: She focused on aligning state goals with local districts, ensuring that efforts were targeted and effective.
- Communication and Visibility: Live-streaming Board of Education meetings and shifting the agenda to focus on critical student and instructional goals improved transparency and accountability.
- Building a Strong Leadership Team: Wright brought together experienced chiefs to lead various departments, reinforcing her vision and strategies.
Through strategic planning, relationship-building, and a clear focus on student achievement, Mississippi's education system saw substantial improvements under Wright's leadership, highlighting the impact of dedicated leadership and strategic reforms in education reform.
