The Mississippi State Board of Education approved new policies during a meeting last week, including updated cut scores for fifth-grade math assessments and a standardized excused absence policy. These changes were mandated by legislation passed during the 2026 legislative session, according to the board.
The new cut score for the Grade 5 Statewide Mathematics Assessment is set at 560 or below. Chief Academic Officer Wendy Clemons said the score was determined through collaboration with math teachers across the state and the Center for Assessment. Clemons emphasized that the score is not a measure for student promotion but a tool to identify students’ needs for intervention, aiming to prepare students for early Algebra I coursework.
Board member Glenn East noted that local districts would retain control over remediation efforts. The updated absence policy defines any student missing 33% of the school day as absent, with allowances for up to five excused absences per semester. Only three of these can be excused by parental note, while additional absences require medical documentation. Suspensions and expulsions will not be considered excused but also will not be reported as truancy.
The policy clarifies that students involved in extracurricular activities like athletic events, music festivals, or school trips will be counted as present for attendance purposes. East highlighted the importance of regular attendance, stating that consistent presence benefits students’ success and career prospects.
In addition, the Board discussed ongoing improvements to the ClassWallet system, which provides teachers with access to $25 million in Education Enhancement Funds. While initial issues included limited local vendor options and delays, progress has been made. As of last week, teachers had spent over $10 million of the funds, an increase from $8.5 million at the same time last year, according to State Superintendent Dr. Lance Evans.
Efforts continue to expand approved vendors and reduce out-of-pocket expenses for teachers. Evans stated that 80 additional local vendors had been added in recent weeks to improve access and convenience. The department aims to ensure teachers can spend their funds more efficiently and transparently, providing better support for classroom needs.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
