The Fox News Rundown Extra: How One State Turned Their Schools Around. Should Others Follow?
Nov 9, 2025
Former Mississippi governor Phil Bryant, now Vice Chair of the President's FEMA Council, shares the transformative impact of the Literacy-Based Promotion Act on education in his state. He discusses how this legislation boosted fourth-grade reading proficiency, likening it to a 'Mississippi miracle.' Bryant outlines key components like phonics, enhanced teacher standards, and continuous assessment. He highlights how these gains extend to other subjects and emphasizes the need for political will to replicate this success nationwide.
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Major Reading Turnaround
- Mississippi's reading proficiency rose from 22% to about 79% after statewide reforms focused on early grades and phonics.
- The turnaround especially benefited Black students, moving them to top national rankings in fourth grade reading.
Upgrade Teacher Preparation
- Raise teacher preparation standards and require knowledge of the science of reading to improve classroom instruction.
- Retrain current teachers and place more rigorous demands on teacher candidates to strengthen the workforce.
Frequent, Uniform Assessments
- Assess students three times a year on the same standard to track progress and hold schools accountable.
- Use assessments to target resources like reading coaches where data shows gaps.