The story of Mississippi's surge in literacy rates is often termed the “Mississippi Miracle.” This ongoing work is not a miracle at all but rather a testament to the power of dedicated effort and strategic planning in overcoming education challenges. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), the state has seen the fastest improvement in student scores nationwide since 2013, particularly in fourth grade. By 2019, Mississippi jumped from 49th to 29th in the NAEP rankings, and by 2022, it advanced further to 21st, becoming one of only three states to increase fourth-grade reading scores during the pandemic.
In this post, we spotlight Kristen Wynn, a beacon of literacy advancement in the state. With over a decade of unwavering commitment to equitable literacy and as the current State Literacy Director for the Mississippi Department of Education, Wynn provides literacy support and training for K-3 educators and administrators across the state.
AIM is proud to partner with the Mississippi Department of Education as the state’s provider of literacy professional learning for teachers and leaders. Keep reading as we take a closer look at the valuable lessons Kristen shares about her leadership and her innovative strategies continuing this important work.
Under the guidance of Wynn, Mississippi has made significant strides in upgrading instructional materials and strategies. This journey began with the overhaul of the state’s Comprehensive Literacy Plan. This plan was not just a theoretical framework but a practical guide for evidence-based literacy instruction, spanning from birth to Grade 12, and served as a vital resource for schools and districts across the state.
The importance of this initiative was further highlighted by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic underscored the critical role of family engagement in children's education. Responding to this need, Wynn’s team launched an enhanced version of the Strong Readers website in June 2020. This platform provided essential activities for foundational reading skills and access to a free online library – a crucial resource during extended school closures, as Wynn noted the importance of keeping children engaged in reading, especially over the summer.
In tandem, Mississippi revamped its overarching literacy strategy to incorporate these high-quality materials and teaching approaches, acknowledging the gap between theory and practice in literacy education. Data-driven instruction was central to this strategy, ensuring that decisions were always supported by empirical evidence and aimed at improving student outcomes. Furthermore, the state maintained a commitment to uninterrupted reading blocks in schools, a crucial aspect of literacy development.
In Mississippi's journey to tackle literacy challenges, merely presenting data proved insufficient for driving change, as Wynn and her team recognized the need for more engaging methods. Central to their revised strategy is the way they communicate with stakeholders, especially families, making sure everyone comprehends and connects with their part in the shared goal of literacy improvement. This means adjusting the way literacy information is conveyed to match the audience, whether educators or caregivers, while keeping the core message consistent across all discussions.
For instance, in discussions with educators about kindergarten data, the messaging is crafted to resonate with those who teach at that level. In contrast, when engaging with parents or guardians, the focus shifts to empowering them as advocates for their children's literacy. The central theme, however, remains unaltered: emphasizing the vital role each stakeholder plays in the literacy initiative.
An integral part of this engagement strategy has been the Regional “Families as Partners” Parent Meetings. These meetings, led by Wynn along with the Assistant Literacy Coordinators and literacy coaches, offer families insights into the Literacy-Based Promotion Act and provide strategies for enhancing reading skills at home. These fall gatherings facilitate direct interactions between families and the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) literacy team, deepening the understanding of the legislation and its impact on children's literacy development.
Wynn's strategy for enhancing literacy in Mississippi consistently focuses on teamwork and coaching support, even amidst the pandemic. Since the summer of 2021, the division has awarded recognition of the first Mississippi Emerging Science of Reading Schools. These schools, as reflected in the work of classroom teachers, administrators, and support staff, have fostered a culture dedicated to developing proficient readers from kindergarten to Grade 3. Literacy coaching was also continually provided through virtual platforms and professional learning communities during school closures.
In line with these efforts, the division has expanded its support for literacy leaders by establishing the Mississippi Literacy Leaders Network, building the capacity of district and school leadership in Grades K–5 through collaborative learning, problem-solving, and job-alike networking opportunities. They have collaborated with the Region 7 Comprehensive Center to develop online modules that facilitate the use of the Mississippi K–3 Learning Walk observation tool to improve literacy learning in the classroom, with the goal of expanding its use beyond Literacy Support Schools.
Kristen emphasized three essential elements of effective leadership in today's challenging times:
In a nutshell, Kristen underscores that the essence of leadership is a combination of adaptability, genuine connection, and an unyielding commitment to self-improvement.
Are you looking to delve deeper into building effective structured literacy systems?
This journey, as highlighted by Wynn's advice, involves more than just adopting policies and creating high-quality instructional materials. It's about effective implementation, comprehensive strategies, and pairing literacy professional development with ongoing, job-embedded coaching support. Wynn also reminds us that patience and persistence are key, advising that significant change in literacy takes time and requires a commitment to stay the course.
If you'd like to learn more about supportive structured literacy systems for all learners, within your district, school, or classroom, let’s start a conversation.
About AIM Institute: The AIM Institute for Learning & Research® is a non-profit center for educational excellence and professional development, providing educators with the latest research, technology, and best practices in the fields of literacy and language-based learning disabilities.