- More than 35,000 Mississippi third graders sat down in front of computer this week to take reading tests, facing a state mandate to “level up” or not advance to fourth grade. Mississippi is one of 16 states nationwide that demand third grade students pass a reading score threshold or flunk. More than 35,000 Mississippi third graders sat down in front of computers this week to take reading tests, facing a state mandate to "level up" or not advance to fourth grade. Last year, 93% of Mississippi students passed at the basic level on their first attempt, but only 75% reached the third level. Last year, Mississippi held back 9% of kindergartners, 8% of first graders and 6% of second graders.

Source: thestar April 19, 2019 23:33 UTC