The U.S. Secretary of Education is in Mississippi today.
Mississippi is one of several stops on Secretary Betsy DeVos’ “Rethink Schools” tour which also includes Georgia, Alabama, and Louisiana. On the tour, DeVos is aiming to identify challenges that these states face and highlight innovative educational practices.
“We know the current system is leaving too many students unprepared, so we must question everything about the way we do school in this country,” DeVos said. There’s no more time for tinkering around the edges. No more trying the same things and expecting different results. I’m excited to highlight pockets of innovation around the country that are truly challenging the status quo and working to ensure all children can have access to the education that fits their learning style and prepares them for a successful future.”
DeVos will make two stops in Mississippi – one in the Holmes County Consolidated School District and another with home-schooled children in Jackson. Prior to DeVos arrival, Superintendent of the HCCSD James Henderson said that her visit shows a commitment to rural areas.
“Being the poorest county in the poorest state in these GREAT UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, I say – NO MORE for the students of my home District! We have smart children in this county; we seek equity, because – “It’s That TIME!” We have been at the bottom far too long and as the new superintendent of schools and a Native Son-not, a Prodigal Son-I am grateful to serve OUR children and to have OUR U.S. Secretary of Education’s presence in our School District! Ms. DeVos’s presence shows that she not only cares for the urban and suburban children but that she also cares for children in the rural schools and she’s putting her time toward-and will allocate equitable funding to ensure the academic success of students from the rural areas. Her visit is not a surprise, it’s an expectation because she is the U.S. Secretary for ALL children in this GREAT Country” – Henderson said in an emailed statement
As for what they’ll focus on during her visit, Henderson said that improvements to their AP program are key.
“Her visit will focus on the blended-learning AP Physics class-a partnership with Yale University,” Henderson said. “Last year, we had several students enrolled in the AP Physics class with a 10% passing rate on the National AP exam, and this year, our aim is to see at least 50% of these students passing the National AP Physics exam. Again, we have smart children in the rural areas of this country and Ms. DeVos wants to ensure that they have the same access to the latest technology as other children across this country!”
DeVos will participate in a learning activity outside the traditional classroom setting with families of home-schooled children in Jackson.
