Mississippi, once among the lowest-ranked states in education, is now a national leader in student achievement—thanks in large part to Governor Tate Reeves’ (Alpha Mu–Millsaps ’93) conservative education reforms. Under his leadership, Mississippi’s fourth-grade reading scores rose to 21st in the nation by 2022, and by 2024, the state ranked first in adjusted NAEP scores for both fourth- and eighth-grade students.
A key reform, the “Third Grade Reading Gate,” requires students to meet reading benchmarks before advancing, supported by phonics-based instruction and $15 million annually for literacy coaches. High school graduation rates also surged from 72% in 2013 to nearly 90% in 2024.
These results reflect deliberate, data-driven policy decisions. As Governor Reeves put it: “It’s not a miracle. It’s conservative reforms making a difference.”
Mississippi’s success is now a model nationwide, proving that focused leadership and high standards can dramatically improve public education.
Read more at America’s News Brief.
