Mississippians will have a chance to share their opinions on a new education policy. MPB's Alexis Ware reports
The Mississippi Department of Education is hosting a series of public meetings to discuss a new education plan. Leaders hope the Mississippi Succeeds plan will help the state meet federal standards outlined in the replacement to No Child Left Behind.
Joyce Helmick is the President of the Mississippi Association of Educators. She says it's good that teachers will have a voice in the process.
"Educators are the ones that are as the saying is boots on the ground. They are the ones who deal with the students and the system everyday. They know the curriculum. They know their students. They know they're communities, so they are the ones that should be heard."
In a statement from the Department state superintendent of education Carey Wright thanked parents, educators and citizens for the input they have already given in developing the plan.
The Department will present the plan to the State Board of Educators on Friday for approval.
Helmick says she's eager for teachers to express their views during the public comment hearings.
"Some of our topics would be student assessment, how do we achieve the student assessment, standardized testing, teacher involvement in decisions made at the district level."
Three hearings are scheduled in Hattiesburg, Jackson and Oxford starting on June 26.
