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Top Takeaways is a series of recaps from important conversations, town halls, webinars and virtual events about early learning.

On July 14, Mississippi’s superintendent of education, Dr. Carey Wright, shared the story of grade-level reading success in her state. The (CGLR) powered the conversation as part of their webinar series.

Wright was joined by Gray Tollison (former Mississippi state senator and education chairman), Kymyona Burk (early literacy policy director at the Foundation of Excellence in Education) and Kelly Butler (CEO, the Barksdale Reading Institute). Tate Reeves, the 65th Governor of Mississippi, made opening remarks, and Dr. Angela Rutherford, director at the Center of Excellence in Literacy Instruction at the University of Mississippi, moderated the discussion. Below are our top five takeaways from the event.

1. Mississippi is no longer in last place for fourth-grade reading. According to the (NAEP), the state recently rose from ranking 39th in 2013 to 2nd place, when controlling for demographics. Additionally, the state ranks 4th in growth among low-income kids and 7th in growth among African American students. While it seems that, 鈥渢he stars lined up in Mississippi,鈥� as Butler put it, this story of remarkable success took investments of time and effort and has required a true interest in innovation to stay on a positive trajectory.

2. The change required a culture shift. While explaining how the state reached this point, Wright focused on the importance of a vision and mission statement, 鈥淚f you don鈥檛 know where you鈥檙e headed, you鈥檙e never going to get there,鈥� she said. She described the vision for change that she instituted upon joining the department in 2013: 鈥淔rom the boardroom to the classroom, every interaction is done with our mission and vision in mind.鈥�

In addition to a shift in ideas and culture, a new team of people was put in place and equipped with the tools and training necessary for success. 鈥淲e had to invest in people, not just programs,鈥� Burk said, 鈥渁nd be consistent with professional development.鈥�

3. Funding is critical. Participants mentioned the (BRI) as a key catalyst for the improvements. Jump-started by a $100 million donation from Mississippi natives Jim and Sally Barksdale in 2000, BRI boosts literacy throughout the state. The Barksdales also funded the , a program that trains and develops effective school administrators.

4. State governments can and must be innovative. The (LBPA), passed in 2013, places an emphasis on supporting and training teachers on research-based instructional strategies and grade-level reading skills, particularly as students鈥� progress through kindergarten to third grade.

鈥淭he path to student success was paved with good legislation and intentions,鈥� explained Sen. Tollison, 鈥渂ut implementation was key.鈥�

With so much progress made, the state is thinking creatively on how to maintain momentum while facing new challenges due to coronavirus. 鈥淪chool closures have unmasked equity concerns,鈥� Wright explained. 鈥淪tudents without access to the internet are at a disadvantage, and this especially affects students of color and those living in poverty.鈥�

Speakers acknowledged the need for teaching and learning modifications to align with suggestions made by the CDC and local health organizations to keep teachers, students and families safe. Wright said that they can鈥檛 leave students behind and are taking a 鈥渟tatewide approach to mitigate learning loss.鈥�

Her department recently completed a needs assessment so the state can source and provide the support needed for each district, such as internet access, virtual learning equipment and digital learning plans.

5. Partnerships are critical to continued success. In addition to continuous training and resources for teachers during this time, the state is exploring ways to increase parent support. Wright expressed the need to engage with and empower families, since you cannot have successful children without parents. 鈥淧arents want what鈥檚 best for their children,鈥� Wright affirmed. 鈥淲e need to help them; they are essential partners.鈥�

Virtual learning is clearly part of the new learning frontier, and moving forward, the science of reading curriculum must be sustained. With that goal in mind, the state is working all angles to prepare for this future, including higher education institutions training new teachers.

Wright explained, 鈥淲e are committed to changing the trajectory of the state, not just pre-K but education through college and into the workforce as well.鈥�

This story originally published on Early Learning Nation and is now archived on 91涩漫. Learn more here.