Mississippi's Remarkable Rise in Reading Achievement

From 49th to 9th in Just 11 Years

Mississippi has become one of the nation's most talked-about education success stories. In 2013, the state ranked 49th nationally in fourth-grade reading achievement. By 2024, it had climbed to 9th place, an extraordinary improvement that has captured the attention of educators and policymakers across the country.

What changed? Mississippi introduced sweeping literacy reforms centered on the Science of Reading, intensive teacher training, literacy coaches, early reading assessments, and targeted interventions for struggling students. The state's 2013 Literacy-Based Promotion Act also established stronger expectations for reading proficiency by the end of third grade.

The results have been impressive, but Mississippi's story is still unfolding. While elementary reading achievement has improved substantially, eighth-grade reading performance remains a challenge, raising important questions about sustaining literacy growth beyond the early grades.

Mississippi's transformation offers a powerful lesson: meaningful educational improvement is possible when research-informed instruction, teacher preparation, and sustained support become priorities.

But can other states achieve similar results? And which of Mississippi's reforms have made the greatest difference?

Explore our featured article to discover how Mississippi changed its approach to literacy—and what the rest of the nation might learn from its experience.