MDE designates two Mississippi universities to receive Mississippi Science of Reading Excellence Award

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:  November 14, 2024

MDE designates two Mississippi universities to receive Mississippi Science of Reading Excellence Award

JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi Department of Education has designated two Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) Educator Preparation Providers (EPP) to receive the Mississippi Science of Reading Excellence Award for the 2024-25 school year.

The 2024-25 award winners are Mississippi University for Women (MUW) and Jackson State University (JSU). The recognition highlights an EPP’s efforts through its program to implement best practices aligned to the science of reading and ensure pre-service teachers enter their careers prepared to implement strategies aligned to these practices.

To celebrate this year’s accomplishment, MDE’s Office of Elementary Education and Reading – Division of Literacy staff will visit each university to present a Mississippi Science of Reading Excellence Award banner. The visits are scheduled for 8:30 a.m. at MUW and 1:30 p.m. at JSU, both on Thursday, Nov. 21.

This is the second year MDE has recognized EPPs with the designation. JSU and William Carey University were designated in 2023-24. All Mississippi IHL educator preparation providers are invited annually in the summer to apply for the science of reading recognition. Schools must reapply to retain the designation.

To review the selection criteria for the award, go to EPP Science of Reading Award Selection Criteria.

Find all MDE news releases at https://mdek12.org/communications/category/news/.

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Media Contact:

Jean Cook, APR
Chief of Communication
601-359-3515
jcook@mdek12.org

Shanderia Minor
Public Information Officer
601-359-3515
sminor@mdek12.org