The Mississippi State Board of Education voted today to open public comment on the addition of the ACT WorkKeys assessment, in conjunction with a recognized career pathway or industry certification, to the accountability measure evaluating how schools and districts prepare students for college and the workforce. ACT WorkKeys, a national assessment that measures foundational skills required for success in the workplace, will be included in the college and career readiness indicator in the state’s accountability system that assigns letter grades to schools and districts. Previously, student performance at the national benchmarks in math and reading or English on the ACT was the sole indicator of college and career readiness. The additional career preparation measure recognizes students who score at the Silver performance level on ACT WorkKeys and earn an industry certification in a technical field or complete a career pathway in high school. “We have always said we would periodically evaluate the accountability system for improvements. We believe that by adding WorkKeys with an industry certification or pathway, we better prepare students who want to directly enter the workforce with the skills and knowledge to succeed and to earn a livable wage,” said Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education. The Accountability Task Force (ATF) began looking at the inclusion of ACT WorkKeys in the accountability system in March 2020. Although it considered many options, the ATF recommended adding ACT Work Keys as an alternative to ACT at the Silver level with no requirement for completion of a career pathway or industry certification. The Commission on School Accreditation on Dec. 10 approved unanimously a proposal from the Mississippi Department of Education to require a WorkKeys Silver level student performance and completion of an industry certification or pathway to ensure comparable rigor between ACT and ACT WorkKeys in the accountability model. The proposal was based on feedback from the ATF, discussion within the MDE, and in consultation with the Center for Assessment and the MDE’s Technical Advisory Committee. Details of the proposed change to the accountability model can be found on the SBE Agenda. The public comment period will close at 5 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 14 and will be submitted to the SBE on Thursday, Jan. 21. Comments should be submitted to Alan Burrow at accreditation@mdek12.org.

By Katherine R. Dougan On a recent evening I’m sitting at my desk in front my computer, all snug in the house with a lovely fire crackling away. Our four adopted shelter dogs are sprawled about in various positions of repose around me. I’m enjoying a cup of hot cocoa and wearing flannel pajamas while I wait for Santa to join me for our online ZOOM call. It’s a tradition he and I have had for over a decade; I get to interview him every year for a special Christmas story. His bearded, red-cheeked face suddenly pops up on my computer monitor, and I hear the familiar “Ho! Ho! Ho!” which, as we all know, is pretty much Santa’s standard greeting. Then I do a double-take at the screen; Santa is actually wearing a Santa face mask. What a goofball! It makes me giggle, because in honor of our special online visit, I’m also wearing a Santa face mask. He sees my face, then scrunches up his face, tilts his head, and quips, “You look ridiculous!” Puh-lease. Really? Geez. It seems that everybody, including Santa, thinks they are a comedian. However, I’m not going to sass him back, because I like presents. Lots of presents. The old adage of don’t bite the hand that feeds you, or, in this case, don’t sass the man that brings you presents, comes to mind. After all, I am not crazy. And since I generally tip the Good-Bad scale that Santa uses to measure gift worthiness more in the “Bad” direction, I can’t afford to annoy the giant, red-suited Christmas dude. Real cool-like, I respond: “Yo’, wazzup, Big Red?” He raises his bushy, white eyebrows in disdain at my lame attempt to be cool, then reveals there is indeed a lot “up” with him. In addition to his usual Christmas duties, he is neck-deep in a secret mission. Of course, I absolutely must know more about this. “I will tell you, but you can’t tell anyone,” Santa admonishes, shaking his finger at me. Of course, I tell him I won’t (wink-wink). That’s what I meant when I said I kind of tip the Good-Bad meter more toward the Bad; of course, I’m going to tell you all about Santa’s secret mission - right here, right now. Santa told me he was recently approached by the World Health Organization, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S. Government for his special mission. After chatting with them, Santa agreed to join “Operation Warp Speed Strategy for Distributing a COVID-19 Vaccine,” which is the plan the U.S. Health and Human Services presented to Congress for COVID-19 vaccine distribution. Think about it. Tapping Santa to spearhead a mobilization mission like this is perfect, since he accomplishes worldwide distribution of gifts in one night every year. This year, once a vaccine is approved and authorized by the FDA, Santa will distribute vaccine and supplies to organizations that partner with state, local and tribal health departments, territories, Tribes and federal entities. Additionally, Santa plays a key role in providing cold storage for large quantities of the vaccine at his South Pole storage facility. Yes, I said South Pole. We all know that Santa, Mrs. Claus and his elves live at the North Pole. However, North Pole temperatures, which range from minus 45 to minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit, are almost balmy in comparison to temperatures at the South Pole, where the average winter temperature is minus 79 degrees Fahrenheit. Brrrrr. That’s way too cold for people; however, it’s perfect for storing a vaccine that needs to be kept at an extremely cold temperature. Santa’s high-tech computer technology and detailed distribution records of everyone in the world also comes in handy for the secret mission, as he has the names and ages of everyone in the world on his list. Not only is Santa playing a key role in storing and distributing vaccines, but, also, he’s on the front lines to deliver pediatric and adult vaccine kits, which contain needles, syringes, alcohol pads, vaccination cards, and PPE equipment for those doing the vaccinations. So, 2020 will definitely be Santa’s busiest year ever. Even though he is really busy, he asked me to assure everyone that nobody will be forgotten. He also said that if you don’t get everything you wished for, it is simply because Santa is so busy with COVID-19 relief that he might just have been short of space in his sleigh. Although you can’t visit him like normal this year to sit on his lap and chat, he reminds you that Santa sees everything and knows everything. To be extra sure, as always, tell your parents what you want, just in case Santa has questions. While I was talking with Santa, I put in a good word for everybody: I told him you all have been good this year. So, you know this means that everyone absolutely MUST be good. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and remind you again to be good, be kind to everyone, and, most importantly, stay safe.

By Elyse Marcellino New data shows that public school enrollment has declined by nearly 25,000, or about 5 percent, over the past year. At the same time, homeschooling has increased by 35 percent. As we reflect on the past year, it’s clear that the coronavirus pandemic has upended norms, but it has also made way for reforms not previously thought possible. This is certainly true in education. This year, traditional schools have been faced with the challenge of delivering an academic program online. Newer options like learning pods and microschools have surged. Virtual schools and their flexibility have become more attractive. Homeschooling has gained popularity rapidly. What does this mean for the future of education? Whether these shifts mark fundamental changes or are only unique to this strange year, we would be wise to go “back to the basics” to find clarity in unfamiliar territory. In a world that often pays more attention to short-term measures than long-term outcomes, times like these remind us of the main purpose of schooling: helping form knowledgeable, productive, upstanding members of society. With parents in droves reclaiming their role as education decisionmakers, they have also provided a powerful reminder that they are their children’s best and most invested advocates and that their satisfaction matters. Even in crisis, parents’ values have not changed much: safety and academics remain top priorities. The phenomenon of learning pods in particular shows that families are not content to be passive participants in their children’s education but will roll up their sleeves to build a school from the ground up if that is what they have to do. According to a September survey by EdChoice, a large majority of parents say they want multiple learning options this year – if they don’t get them, they may just create them. Pods, much like the one-room schoolhouses of the 19th century, are driven by families who pool their resources and work together to educate their children. They may simply support students enrolled in traditional or virtual schools, or they may provide a full or part-time academic program arranged around a curriculum, theme, or need. Parents may divvy up teaching responsibilities by expertise or hire a teacher or two. They may meet in homes or acquire a facility. The attraction of such small school environments likely lies in their accessibility and adaptability. Depending on the set-up, they can form quickly, can morph to confront new challenges, and have the potential to be quite affordable. Supply can meet demand without delay. One Mississippi mother whose child with special needs is participating in a learning pod is thrilled, saying “he is getting the individual attention he never received in traditional public or private school.” Over the years, Mississippi has moved incrementally toward true education options and an atmosphere of innovation, from charter schools and education scholarship accounts to open enrollment and Districts and Schools of Innovation. In a shifting education landscape, responsive policies like these need to expand further to ensure great education options are available to all who want or need them, especially now. If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that American entrepreneurialism is alive and well and “just wait” is an answer that parents – rightfully so – won’t accept anymore. Elyse Marcellino is the Vice President for Education at Empower Mississippi

Governor Reeves was joined by pastors from across the state to declare Sunday, December 20th, as a voluntary day of prayer, humility and fasting. "Today, I am signing a proclamation to declare a Day of Prayer, Humility, and Fasting on Sunday, December 20th," Governor Reeves said. "As we’ve done throughout the history of this country, we will go to the Lord and ask for his protective hand over us as we enter 2021." While there have been many challenges throughout this year, from flooding, tornados, and especially COVID-19, it is important for Mississippians to trust in God. "As we close out this year, I felt the need to go to God in prayer for our state, together. There is power in prayer. It is what God commands us to do," Governor Reeves stated. You can view the signing on Facebook live here. A signed copy of the Proclamation can be found here.

The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) invites aspiring teachers to apply to the third cohort of the Mississippi Teacher Residency (MTR), which is a two-year program that combines college coursework and on-the-job training to prepare prospective educators for the teaching profession. The application will be released on December 18, 2020 and will close on February 5, 2021. The MTR program is a collaboration among the MDE, selected university and district partnerships and the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, which funds the initiative. It is part of a statewide strategy to expand and diversify the teaching workforce so all students have teachers who are well-prepared, appropriately licensed and can serve as role models. Each teacher resident will receive a full degree scholarship to an MTR-sponsored university, support for required licensure examinations, one-on-one teacher mentors and ongoing professional development throughout the program’s duration. Teacher residents will complete an elementary education and special education degree program while working alongside an experienced teacher mentor in one of four participating districts. Partner districts include Gulfport School District, Jackson Public Schools, Ocean Springs School District and Sunflower County Consolidated School District. The MTR program supports individuals who want to become teachers but are not currently enrolled in an educator preparation program. MTR applicants must have an associate degree or at least 60 college credits from a degree program with a minimum 2.75 grade point average. Men and women of color, military veterans and junior college graduates are strongly encouraged to apply. The application can be found starting on December 18 at mdek12.org/OTL/MTR. The application deadline is February 5, 2021. For more information, contact Dr. Courtney Van Cleve at cvancleve@mdek12.org.

Only minutes after local and national media outlets began sharing the story Monday evening of a two-year-old boy dropped off at a Goodwill donation center in Southaven, phone lines and email inboxes at the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services were overflowing with offers to help, foster or adopt the abandoned toddler. From California to New York, Florida to British Columbia, individuals touched by the plight of the abandoned toddler turned over to local law enforcement are scrambling to find ways to provide physical and financial support. Many callers volunteer to adopt the child. Others want to send money. "The overwhelming generosity of Americans is tangible in this scenario," said MDCPS Commissioner Andrea Sanders. "While we cannot disclose information related to any child in need of protection, we are grateful and moved by the compassion of people everywhere. I am hopeful that this story will inspire awareness of the need to support all of the children entrusted to our care." Mississippi State Law prevents MDCPS from commenting on any specific case when a child is placed into state custody, therefore the agency is prohibited from commenting on whether a particular child is involved with the agency. Sanders said that "while the media reports of this situation are drawing national attention, the ongoing need for individuals to serve as foster families and adoptive families is critical every day of the year for every child placed in MDCPS custody." "We will always need loving families to care for children, as well as the backing of the greater community to stabilize families and prevent trauma to children before it happens," she said. MDCPS currently has more than 3,800 children and youth in care.

‘Tis the season for holiday travel. With more vehicles on the highways, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) wants to help keep your holidays merry and bright by limiting travel delays caused by highway construction. MDOT will suspend all interstate and four-lane highway construction during peak Christmas and New Year’s travel times. All road construction requiring lane closures will stop December 24 and 25 and again December 31 and January 1. The closures will provide maximum travel capacity and minimal construction delays for holiday travelers. “Even though no highway construction work will be occurring across the state, motorists should be aware that some lane closures will remain in place,” said Melinda McGrath, P.E., MDOT Executive Director. “These lane closures are there to protect motorists, and MDOT urges drivers to treat these areas as active work zones.” Christmas and New Year’s are among the busiest travel days. MDOT actively monitors highways statewide through its Traffic Management Center (TMC). Information is gathered by roadway devices deployed throughout the state. Devices such as cameras, speed detectors and weather sensors feed data to the TMC about real-time road conditions. A network of over 1,000 cameras gives operators live views of highways. The TMC shares information through MDOTtraffic.com and the MDOT Traffic mobile app. Users can sign up for email or text alerts and also access live highway camera feeds. The resources are available free to the public. Major alerts are also posted on the @MississippiDOT Twitter account. “Travelers can know before they go about traffic along their routes,” McGrath said. “MDOT Traffic can help you avoid frustration by alerting you of upcoming congestion or crashes.” In addition to the MDOT Traffic website and mobile app, real-time road conditions will also be posted on overhead digital message signs along state highways. “Using these communication channels, MDOT is able to quickly and effectively notify travelers of concerns that may affect their plans,” McGrath said. “MDOT wants everyone to enjoy the holiday season with loved ones by making it to their destinations safely.” For the most current travel and traffic information, visit MDOTTraffic.com and download the free MDOT Traffic.

After making it through all the different challenges of the year, we’re all looking forward to some well-earned peace and joy this holiday season. But we don’t want preventable injuries to get in the way. That’s why we’re talking Holiday Safety with Dr. Katie Donnelly, an ER doctor and the Medical Director for Safe Kids D.C. and Dawne Gardner, a Safe Kids Coordinator and safety expert from Cincinnati, OH. Join our experts for a Facebook Live Event that’s all about simple, but important reminders to keep kids safe at home, on the road and at play during the holidays. Plus, a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card. Watch at https://www.facebook.com/SafeKidsWorldwide

Following a recent spike of home fires in Southwest Mississippi, the American Red Cross Alabama Mississippi region encourages everyone to talk to their children about fire safety to help families stay safe. In the past year, local Red Cross volunteers helped more than 1,300 people — affected by more than 315 home fires in Southwest Mississippi. For residents affected by the recent fires, the Red Cross provided emergency financial assistance, food, relief items like toiletries, health and mental health services, and one-on-one support to connect people to available recovery assistance. “It’s heartbreaking for anyone to have to experience a home fire, especially children,” Tamica Jeuitt, executive director, Southwest Mississippi said. “We want to ensure families and children are prepared. Please talk to everyone in your household about home fire safety and practice your escape plan together until everyone can get out in two minutes or less.” HELP KEEP YOUR FAMILY SAFE Below are some ways to prepare your family: Practice your escape plan: Take time to discuss fire safety with your family. Familiarize children with the sound of your smoke alarm and teach them what to do when they hear it when you practice your escape plan. Be friends with firefighters: Teach your children not to be afraid of firefighters. Take them to your local fire department to meet them, see the gear they wear and learn about fire safety and prevention. Avoid matches: Teach your children to tell you or a responsible adult when they find matches or lighters at home or school. Keep matches, lighters and other ignitable substances in a secured location out of reach of children. Test smoke alarms: Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. Test them monthly and replace alarm batteries as needed. For free home fire safety resources, including an escape plan, visit redcross.org/fire or download the free Red Cross Emergency App. In addition, the free Monster Guard app teaches children how to prepare for emergencies by playing an engaging game. Download the apps by searching “American Red Cross” in app stores or going to redcross.org/apps.

U.S. Secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt announced the establishment of the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument in Jackson, Mississippi as the 423rd unit of the National Park System. The monument was authorized by the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (P.L. 116-9), which was signed by President Trump on March 12, 2019. Acquired by the National Park Service (NPS) by way of conveyance from Tougaloo College on June 18, 2020, the new monument commemorates the legacies of two civil rights activists who, from their modest, 3-bedroom ranch home, devoted their lives to ending racial injustice and improving the quality of life for African Americans. “It is an honor to establish the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument,” said Secretary Bernhardt. “Medgar Evers was a true American hero who fought the Nazis at Normandy and fought racism with his wife Myrlie on the home front. It is our solemn responsibility as caretakers of America’s national treasures to tell the whole story of America’s heritage for the benefit of present and future generations. The life works of these great Americans helped shape our nation in making the United States a more perfect union, and for that, we should all be grateful.” "We are so pleased that the National Park Service has made our family home in Jackson, MS, a National Monument. Our parents sought justice and equality for all Mississippians and knew such change locally would impact globally. Living a life of service, our parents didn't make sacrifices for accolades or awards. Our father fought for his country during World War II, and our mother equally served on the battlefields here in America. The battle continues to ensure that all Americans deserve life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” said Reena and James Van Evers, the two surviving children of Medgar and Myrlie Evers. “We are delighted that our house, always enclosed in love and respect, is nestled in a community that provides hope and opportunity. It's still serving as a reminder of our divided past and an educational tool to bring knowledge, excellence, and positive participation to all who visit to study icons in American history: our parents, Medgar and Myrlie Evers," “It is a privilege to join Secretary Bernhardt in announcing the addition of the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument as the 423rd park to join the National Park System,” said Margaret Everson, Counselor to the Secretary, exercising the delegated authority of the National Park Service Director. “President Trump and Secretary Bernhardt have made enormous contributions to our efforts in the National Park Service to more fully tell the story of America's Civil Rights movement. The addition of this site is a fitting tribute to these two influential civil rights activists who devoted their lives to the cause of equality.” “The Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home serves as a permanent reminder of the legacy of the Evers family, whose contributions advanced the cause of justice in our nation,” said U.S. Senator Roger Wicker. “I was proud to champion legislation with Representative Bennie Thompson and Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith to designate this historic site as a national monument and preserve it for future generations. I appreciate President Trump, the National Park Service, and the Department of the Interior for their work to make this designation a reality.” “The national monument designation represents a great honor for the Evers family and their sacrifices and accomplishments for the cause of civil rights. This new national site will also stand in recognition of the overall pursuit of equality and justice in Mississippi and our nation,” said U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith. “I am proud to have worked with Senator Wicker and Congressman Thompson to secure this designation.” “I, like many others, was inspired by the magnitude of determination Mr. Evers showed by dedicating himself to others and fighting against adversity,” said U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson. “The designation of his home is an everlasting tribute to his legacy. The importance of protecting the heritage and important artifacts for the enjoyment of all, and historical understanding, cannot be overstated. As many members of communities, their existence contributes to local economies directly and indirectly. I am honored that the legacy of an icon in American history, Medgar Wiley Evers will forever be preserved. Mr. Evers was an inspiration to all Americans by dedicating his life to others and fighting against racism and discrimination.” “The Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home designation as a national monument and its management by the National Park Service is another significant and historic milestone in Tougaloo College’s history. We are honored to partner with the National Park Service to advance the legacy of Medgar and Myrlie Evers and preserve their home, both of which are significant to the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi. The monument will be important to the study and understanding of the civil rights struggle. We are excited about the college’s continued role in developing interpretative and educational programming for the monument to introduce students to Medgar Evers’ work and inspire them to learn more. This is indeed a great day in the history of Tougaloo College, the state of Mississippi and America,” said Tougaloo College President Carmen J. Walters. The newly acquired property will be managed and operated by the National Park Service. While the home is not currently open to public tours, in the coming months the National Park Service will work with partners and the community to develop plans to accommodate visitors. The national monument consists of an approximately 0.15-acre parcel of land and the Evers’ home.

Governor Tate Reeves announced additional COVID-19 measures in an effort to keep Mississippians safe. The Executive Orders that are in place are set to expire on Friday, December 11th. In an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19 statewide, for social gatherings where social distancing is not possible, crowds will be limited to a group of no more than ten in a single space indoors. For outdoor social gatherings, no more than 50 people should be in close proximity. Face coverings in schools are also required statewide whenever social distancing is not possible. They are also required when indoors and interacting with the public in the following counties: Adams, Alcorn, Amite, Attala, Bolivar, Calhoun, Carroll, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Clarke, Clay, Coahoma, Copiah, Covington, De Soto, Forrest, Franklin, Grenada, Harrison, Hinds, Holmes, Itawamba, Jackson, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Jones, Kemper, Lafayette, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lee, Leflore, Lincoln, Lowndes, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Monroe, Montgomery, Neshoba, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Panola, Pearl River, Perry, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Rankin, Scott, Simpson, Stone, Tate, Tippah, Tishomingo, Union, Washington, Webster, Winston, Yalobusha and Yazoo Counties. Indoor sports venues for K-12 extracurricular events will be limited to the lesser of four spectators per student participant or 250 ticketed spectators. Other indoor arenas will be limited to the lesser of ten percent seating capacity or 1,000 attendees. "All of these measures are important, and I hope that the people of Mississippi will make an honest effort to participate in slowing the spread of the virus," Governor Tate Reeves said. A copy of the Executive Orders can be found here.

Commissioner Brent Bailey reminds consumers to be attentive of potential telemarketer charity scams during the holidays. Fake charities may use telemarketing methods to try and con you out of your money by pretending to represent a well-known charitable cause. “Charities may utilize outside companies to do the telemarketing for them to reach their existing or potential donors, especially during the busy holiday season,” Commissioner Bailey said. “Our office supports charitable giving and activities, but we want to ensure that the people of the Central District are not falling prey to sophisticated scams or being misled by an organization or donating to an organization that is not playing by the rules.” Consumers should do their research before donating, especially over the phone. Stick to charities you have donated to in the past. Be leery if someone is rushing you into paying or saying you are obligated to pledge an amount since scammers want to get your money as quick as they can. If you feel pressure to act immediately and without delay, ask the caller for time to think about it first. The harder the pressure to donate, the more suspicious you should be. Additionally, you should pay attention to how they ask you to pay. Real charities won’t ask for money transfers or gift cards. Please check with the Secretary of State’s Office to determine if the recipient of your potential contribution is a legitimate charitable organization. The Secretary of State provides a "Charity Search" portal on their website to verify the charity is registered with the State. In addition to contacting the Public Service Commission's office, consumers can also file a complaint with the Consumer Protection Division of the Attorney General’s Office if you feel that you have been scammed by a questionable charitable organization.