Mississippi introduced a new statewide organization on Tuesday designed to help communities improve the reading abilities of their citizens.
The state joins the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading program, joining more than 40 states and almost 300 communities across the nation. The program is designed to place a greater emphasis on the literacy of low-income students by pulling together existing resources in local communities.
Education reporter Emma Kent (10:18) joins Derek and Brad on today’s show to provide more information about the new initiative, how it will look and the impact it can have.
Oxford/ Lafayette County is one of two Mississippi locations already participating in the program and will serve as a model for others. With Tuesday’s announcement, the goal is to get at least 10 Mississippi communities into the program. Tupelo, New Albany and Corinth are among those cited as strong possibilities.
Emma (16:03) also talks about Shannon High School, which has made great gains in its graduation rate and improved its school ranking from a D to a C. Officials credit hard work, a culture shift, a focus on helping freshmen and increased training, among other factors.
Caleb Bedillion (20:13) discusses Tuesday’s unanimous vote by the Tupelo City Council to fly Mississippi’s bicentennial banner — and not the state flag — at the new police headquarters for the next year.
Food editor Ginna Parsons (31:54) has the highlights of this week’s food section — Christmas cookies, braised red cabbage, a layered cake with chocolate and Reese’s peanut butter cups, and more.
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