Education

Higher education could be seeing a new model for how it's funded in Mississippi. The legislature is deciding whether to allow an education committee to review different ways to allocate money among universities. MPB's Daniel Cherry reports on how the bill could make a big difference in the state. 

Democrats in Mississippi will not contest Republicans in elections for three statewide offices, and now the deadline to field candidates is passed. MPB's Daniel Cherry takes a look at what Democrats are facing in election season. 

Studies show that only 22% of Mississippi 4th graders are reading at grade level or above. In response, the State Department of Education has set a goal to have all 3rd graders reading at grade level by 2012. MPB's Lawayne Childrey examines how one Jackson school is meeting the challenge and what it could mean for the future of our state 

Mississippi's economic and legislative leaders are expressing growing optimism about the future of the state's economy. MPB's Jeffrey Hess reports the addition of new, high tech industries are driving the positive trend... 

We all need air, water, and food to survive, but for Mississippians food is also the cause for many of the state's biggest health concerns. The state is the worst in the nation in obesity rates, but Mississippi also has more hunger than any other state. MPB's Daniel Cherry talks to some experts about the future of the state's food related problems. 

Mississippi has the lowest literacy rate in the nation...roughly 20-percent of Mississippi adults cannot read. An early start for Mississippi kids can help improve the literacy rate. MPB's Jeffrey Hess reports on new ways of learning to read that are more than just the ABC's.

As Americas energy needs continue to grow researchers are looking for cleaner, cheaper ways to keep up with the demand. To conclude our series highlighting Engineering Week, MPB's Lawayne Childrey examines how experts are assessing the countries energy needs and coming up with possible solutions.

From identity theft to child exploitation, cyber crimes affect thousands of Americans every day. As part of our engineering week coverage, MPB's Lawayne Childrey shows us how research in Mississippi is a model for law enforcement across the country.

One in every one hundred children born in the United States has some form of heart defect. In Mississippi that means at least 400 children this year will need heart surgery to stay alive. As part of National Engineering week MPB's Lawayne Childrey examines research that is already being done in the state to help children's hearts grow stronger.

Segregation seems to fly in the face of every lesson learnt from Mississippi’s past. Still, for the Choctaw separate schooling has been key to maintaining tribal identity. MPB’s Sandra Knispel continues her series on the Mississippi Choctaw Journey.

Legal and religious scholars debate the approach Mississippi should take to deal with the issue of illegal immigration. MPB's Jeffrey Hess reports on recent panel discussion about ethics and immigration at the Mississippi College of Law in Jackson.

First-year results of an early childhood education program show gains in the quality of care for infants and toddlers at some day care centers in Mississippi. As MPB's Jeffrey Hess reports the ultimate goal of the study is to implement a statewide pre-K program.

Education advocates and students rallied at the capitol to call on the state legislature to increase education spending. MPB's Jeffrey Hess reports that they are unlikely to get all the money they want.

Mississippi school teachers could soon face tougher penalties for improper conduct with students. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports the State Board of Education is expected to vote today on an Educator Code of Ethics.

Leaders from Mississippi's colleges and universities are lobbying to avoid state budget cuts....but they are also preparing in case the budget axe falls again. MPB's Jeffrey Hess reports.