Dr. Kymyona Burk: Mississippi’s Historic Literacy Gains

This week, host Grant Callen sat down with Dr. Kymyona Burk, formerly the State Literacy Director at the Mississippi Department of Education, who oversaw implementation of the Literacy-Based Promotion Act of 2013, a bill championed by then Governor Phil Bryant. Often when great policy gets enacted, the implementation of the law leaves a lot to be desired. But in this case, the implementation of the act is a big part of its success.

Between 2011 and 2019, Mississippi’s fourth grade reading scores on the NAEP exam, often referred to as the Nation’s Report Card, increased by 10 scale score points (the equivalent of a full grade level), the largest gain of any state in the nation during that time period. In 2022 and post-pandemic, Mississippi scored higher than the national average for the first time. As a result, Mississippi has improved from last to 21st in the nation in fourth grade reading achievement. The New York Times dubbed it the “Mississippi Miracle” and now Dr. Burk is helping other states that are trying to replicate Mississippi’s amazing gains in reading. Tune in!