Skip to main content

Mississippi Proceeds With Holding Back Third Graders

After its state board of education determined passing rates in May, nearly 15 percent of Mississippi's third graders discovered their April reading test scores were not sufficient to enter fourth grade.

Republish
A reading assistant reads on the classroom floor with a small group of fourth graders at Wanke Elementary School in San Antonio on March 9, 2012.
Credit: Jennifer Whitney for The Texas Tribune

After its state board of education determined passing rates in May, nearly 15 percent of Mississippi's third graders discovered their April reading test scores were not sufficient to enter fourth grade. Championed by Gov. Phil Bryant, the new cutoffs are intended to inspire improvements in academic achievement, despite more than $1.5 billion in school budget shortfalls since 2009. (Hechinger Report)

Texans need truth. Help us report it.

Independent Texas reporting needs your support. The Texas Tribune delivers fact-based journalism for Texans, by Texans — and our community of members, the readers who donate, make our work possible. Help us bring you and millions of others in-depth news and information. Will you support our nonprofit newsroom with a donation of any amount?

Support independent Texas news

Become a member. Join today.

Choose an amount or learn more about membership.

$20 $25 $50 Other
Donate now

Information about the authors

Learn about The Texas Tribune’s policies, including our partnership with The Trust Project to increase transparency in news.

Explore related story topics