Senatobia Elementary is one of seven schools in the state designated by the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) as an Emerging Science of Reading School for the 2022-2023 school year.
This recognition is for schools that have trained teachers in the science of reading, exemplified a change of instructional practices, and embodied a school culture that focuses on building skillful, strong readers in kindergarten through third grade.
Representatives from the MDE Literacy Leadership Team will visit the Senatobia Elementary campus Tuesday, Aug. 23, to present a banner and celebrate the accomplishment with school leaders.
Other schools in Mississippi earning the science of reading recognition are Oak Grove Primary, North Bay Elementary, Waveland Elementary, and three institutions in the Pascagoula-Gautier School District – Beach Elementary, Jackson Elementary and Martin Bluff Elementary.
“This special designation affirms these schools’ dedication to effectively utilize science of reading instruction to improve young students’ literacy skills,” said Dr. Kim Benton, interim state superintendent of education. “Mississippi is a national leader in literacy because our educators are committed to continued professional growth and the provision of high-quality, daily literacy instruction for all students in our state.”
All Mississippi K-5 schools are invited to apply annually for the science of reading distinction. Applications are open in the spring from February to April. Seven different elementary schools received the designation in the first cohort of Mississippi Emerging Science of Reading Schools in 2021-22. Schools must reapply to retain the designation.
